6 Best Fruits to Grow in Pots and Containers

Growing fruits in pots and containers is a perfect solution for gardeners with limited space or those looking to create a versatile and mobile garden. Not only do these containers provide flexibility, but they also allow you to enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit right from your patio, balcony, or small garden space. In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best fruits to grow in pots and containers and provide you with essential tips to get started.

1. Strawberries

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits to grow in containers. They thrive in small spaces and can be easily grown in pots, hanging baskets, or even vertical planters.

1.1. Why Strawberries Thrive in Pots

Strawberries have shallow roots, making them well-suited for container gardening. They adapt well to limited space, and their small, compact nature means they can be grown almost anywhere with adequate sunlight. You’ll also enjoy easy access to the fruit, which makes it simple to harvest fresh strawberries throughout the growing season.

1.2. Tips for Growing Strawberries in Containers

Choose the Right Variety: Day-neutral varieties like ‘Seascape’ or ‘Albion’ are great for container growing as they produce fruit throughout the growing season.
Sunlight: Place your strawberry pots in a sunny location where they can receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil and Watering: Use well-draining soil, and ensure the container has drainage holes. Water consistently to keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.

For more detailed information on strawberry care, check out our Ultimate Guide to Planting and Caring for Blueberries—the tips apply to many container fruits.

Strawberries: ripe and unripe strawberries growing in a container.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are another excellent fruit to grow in pots. Their compact size, combined with the ability to control soil conditions in containers, makes them an ideal choice for small spaces.

2.1. Choosing the Right Blueberry Variety for Containers

Dwarf Varieties: Choose dwarf or compact varieties like ‘Top Hat’ or ‘Sunshine Blue’, which are perfect for growing in pots.
Acidic Soil: Blueberries require acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Using a specialized potting mix designed for acid-loving plants will give them the best chance to thrive.

2.2. Care Tips for Blueberries in Pots

Container Size: Use a pot that’s at least 18 inches wide and deep to give the roots enough space to spread.
Watering: Blueberries need consistent moisture, so water regularly and apply mulch on top of the soil to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, applying it in spring and again in mid-summer.

For more comprehensive blueberry growing advice, you can explore this guide on planting and caring for blueberries.

Blueberries: blueberry bush full of ripe berries growing in a terracotta pot.

3. Figs

Figs are known for their adaptability and can grow well in containers, making them a favorite among gardeners with limited space.

3.1. Growing Dwarf Fig Varieties in Containers

Dwarf Varieties: Opt for dwarf fig varieties like ‘Petite Negra’ or ‘Little Miss Figgy’. These varieties are smaller in size but still produce full-sized fruit.
Container Size: Figs have a shallow root system, making them well-suited for container life. A pot that’s 18-24 inches wide is ideal.

3.2. Best Practices for Fig Tree Care in Small Spaces

Sunlight: Place your fig tree in a sunny spot, ideally where it will receive 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fig trees in containers tend to dry out more quickly than those in the ground, so check the soil regularly.
Pruning: Prune your fig tree in late winter to maintain its shape and encourage healthy new growth.

Figs: young fig trees growing in large pots along a garden path.

4. Dwarf Peaches and Nectarines

Dwarf peach and nectarine trees are perfect for growing in containers, providing the beauty of blooming flowers and the joy of fresh fruit in a compact form.

4.1. Why Dwarf Varieties Are Ideal for Containers

Dwarf peach and nectarine trees, such as ‘Bonanza’ or ‘Pixzee’, are bred to stay small, typically growing only 4-6 feet tall. This makes them an ideal choice for containers, as they produce full-sized fruit without requiring much space.

4.2. How to Grow and Care for Peaches and Nectarines in Pots

Pot Size: Use a large, deep container (at least 18-24 inches) to give the tree plenty of room to grow.
Soil: Use a well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix. These trees do not tolerate waterlogged roots, so ensure good drainage.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.
Fertilization: Fertilize your trees in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Dwarf peach and nectarine trees with ripe fruit in large pots

5. Meyer Lemons

Meyer lemons are one of the most popular citrus trees for growing in pots, thanks to their compact size and ability to produce an abundance of fruit in small spaces.

5.1. Perfect Citrus for Containers

Meyer lemons are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavor. They are ideal for container growing, especially in regions where citrus trees need to be brought indoors during winter.

5.2. Caring for Lemon Trees in Small Spaces

Sunlight: Place your Meyer lemon tree in full sun, with at least 8 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for citrus trees.
Watering: Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Citrus trees do not like sitting in water.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain the tree’s shape and promote healthy growth.

For more citrus container gardening ideas, you can visit this external guide on the best fruits for containers.

Meyer lemon tree with ripe lemons growing in a large container.

6. Raspberries

While raspberries are typically grown in the ground, certain varieties are well-suited for containers, making them a great choice for small-space gardeners.

6.1. Best Raspberry Varieties for Containers

Look for compact or dwarf raspberry varieties like ‘Raspberry Shortcake’, which grows well in pots and doesn’t require staking. This variety produces sweet, full-sized berries on a small, thornless plant, making it perfect for patios or balconies.

6.2. Maintaining and Pruning Raspberries in Pots

Container Size: Use a pot that’s at least 18 inches in diameter and 24 inches deep.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid waterlogging the roots.
Pruning: Prune raspberries after fruiting to remove dead canes and encourage new growth for the next season.

Raspberry bush growing in a wooden container.

7.Tips for Growing Fruits in Containers

Growing fruits in containers requires a bit more care and attention than growing them in the ground. Here are some essential tips to help you succeed.

7.1. Choosing the Right Pot Size and Soil

Pot Size: Use containers that are large enough to accommodate the root systems of your plants. Most fruit trees need pots that are at least 18-24 inches in diameter.
Soil: Use high-quality, well-draining potting soil, and consider adding compost or organic matter to give your plants a nutrient boost.

7.2. Watering and Fertilizing Tips for Container Fruit Plants

Watering: Container plants dry out faster than those in the ground. Water your fruits regularly, especially during the hot summer months, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing: Fruit plants in containers need regular feeding. Use a slow-release or liquid fertilizer designed for the specific type of fruit you’re growing. Fertilize during the growing season for best results.