14 Best Fruit Trees To Grow In Containers And Pots - Even On A Porch Or Balcony!

Who says you need acres of land to grow a backyard food forest? Not us! These 14 container-friendly fruit trees prove that delicious, homegrown harvests are possible, even on the tiniest patio or balcony. Our list of potted fruit tree varieties includes some you may have seen growing in containers, such as peaches and figs. However, we also share a few lesser-known dwarf fruit varieties that grow remarkably well in pots.

Delicious mini fruits growing on a mini potted mandarin tree.

Sound intriguing?

Then, let’s grow some potted fruit!

14 Best Fruit Trees For Pots And Containers

The following 14 are our top-pick fruit trees for growing in pots.

1. Kumquat Trees

An epic potted kumquat tree growing indoors with ripening fruits.

Kumquats are one of the most rewarding citrus trees for container growing. They thrive in pots as small as 15 to 20 gallons. They rarely exceed six feet in height, even when fully mature. So, they’re perfect for patios and small spaces. Unlike other citrus fruits, you can eat kumquats whole, skin and all!

USDA Growth Zone: 9 through 11.
Best Variety for Pots: Nagami or Meiwa dwarf varieties.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun, consistent moisture, excellent drainage.
Pollination: Self-fertile.

Kumquat trees are easily more cold-hardy than most citrus, tolerating brief dips to 20°F. In colder climates, they still require protection or overwintering indoors to thrive long term.

2. Plum Trees

An epic and thick sweet plum bonsai tree growing in a large pot.

Dwarf plum varieties excel in containers, especially European plums like ‘Green Gage’ or Japanese varieties such as ‘Methley.’ They adapt well to the restricted root space of large containers (30+ gallons work best) and often benefit from the improved drainage that pot culture provides. The main challenge is their need for cross-pollination. You’ll either need two compatible varieties or a self-fertile cultivar, such as ‘Stanley.’

USDA Growth Zone: 4 through 9.
Best Variety for Pots: Stanley (self-fertile) or dwarf Methley.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun. Consistent water during the fruiting season.
Pollination: Most need cross-pollination. Choose self-fertile varieties for containers.

Another challenge with potted plum trees is that they get surprisingly thirsty. Offer consistent watering during fruit development to prevent splitting and dropping.

3. Orange Trees

Orange tree growing in a large clay pot on a sunny front porch.

Sweet oranges, such as ‘Valencia’ and ‘Navel’ varieties, flourish in containers when grafted onto dwarfing rootstock, like Flying Dragon or Trifoliate orange. Container culture helps manage their size while still producing yummy flavors in the fruit. These trees also need consistent moisture but excellent drainage, a tricky balance that containers handle well with proper potting mix.

USDA Growth Zone: 9 through 11.
Best Variety for Pots: Dwarf Valencia or Washington Navel.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun, consistent moisture, and excellent drainage.
Pollination: Self-fertile.

The biggest challenge is providing adequate winter protection in zones below 9, as orange trees are among the most cold-sensitive citrus fruits and require greenhouse or indoor conditions during freezing weather.

4. Pomegranate Trees

Lovely pomegranate trees growing in large black pots.

Pomegranates are surprisingly well-suited to container life, with their naturally compact growth habit and stunning ornamental value. Dwarf varieties like ‘Red Silk’ or ‘State Fair’ stay under four feet and produce full-sized fruit. These trees are incredibly drought-tolerant once established, making them forgiving for busy gardeners. However, pomegranates require hot summers to ripen their fruit!

USDA Growth Zone: 7 through 10.
Best Variety for Pots: Red Silk or State Fair dwarf varieties.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun, drought-tolerant once established.
Pollination: Self-fertile.

Pomegranate trees are deciduous! So, don’t expect year-round greenery.

5. Lime Trees

Large and healthy lime trees growing in jumbo recyclable containers.

Key limes and Persian limes both thrive in containers, with Key limes being particularly well-suited due to their naturally more diminutive stature. These sour citrus trees are surprisingly heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Limes are more cold-sensitive than lemons. They need protection when temperatures drop below 30°F. The reward is year-round fruit production in ideal conditions, with some varieties producing fruit continuously throughout the year.

USDA Growth Zone: 10 through 11.
Best Variety for Pots: Key Lime or dwarf Persian Lime.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun, consistent moisture, regular feeding.
Pollination: Self-fertile.

Container growing also makes it easier to provide the consistent moisture lime trees prefer without waterlogging their roots.

6. Pear Trees

A tiny pear tree growing in a medium sized grey pot.

Dwarf pear trees can succeed in containers, but they’re among the trickier fruit trees to manage this way. European varieties, such as ‘Bartlett’, or Asian pears like ‘Shinko’, work best when grafted onto dwarfing rootstock. The challenge with pears is their susceptibility to fire blight, which can be more problematic in container culture due to stress factors. They also typically require cross-pollination and have specific chilling requirements for proper fruit set.

USDA Growth Zone: 4 through 8.
Best Variety for Pots: Dwarf Bartlett or Shinko Asian pear.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun. Excellent drainage is essential, with moderate water requirements.
Pollination: Most need cross-pollination.

Container pear trees require excellent drainage, as pears can fall victim to root rot in overly wet conditions.

7. Apple Trees

A dwarf crabapple bonsai tree growing in a lovely outdoor garden.

Dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees are excellent for container cultivation! It works best when grown on dwarfing rootstocks such as M9 or M26. Columnar varieties, such as ‘Northpole’ or ‘Scarlet Sentinel’, are particularly space-efficient. The primary challenges include ensuring sufficient winter chill hours for fruit production and managing the tree’s tendency to exhibit biennial bearing.

USDA Growth Zone: 3 through 8.
Best Variety for Pots: Columnar Northpole or dwarf Honeycrisp.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun. Consistent moisture, slightly acidic soil.
Pollination: Most plants require cross-pollination. However, some self-fertile varieties are available.

Pruning your dwarf apple tree regularly is beneficial for maintaining its size and shape. Pruning also helps promote air circulation within the tree’s canopy.

8. Cherry Trees

Lovely flowering cherry tree growing in a large pot.

Sweet cherries can be challenging in containers due to their natural vigor. However, sour cherries, such as ‘Montmorency’, or dwarf sweet varieties, like ‘Stella’, work well. Cherry trees in containers require exceptional drainage, as they’re highly susceptible to root rot. They also need protection from birds once the fruit begins to ripen.

USDA Growth Zone: 4 through 8 (sweet cherries), 3 through 8 (sour cherries).
Best Variety for Pots: Stella (sweet, self-fertile) or Montmorency (sour).
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun. Excellent drainage is critical, with moderate water requirements.
Pollination: Choose self-fertile varieties, such as Stella, for containers.

The biggest challenge is providing adequate winter chill while protecting the container from freeze-thaw cycles that can damage cherry tree roots.

9. Olive Trees

A potted olive tree growing on a garden table.

Olive trees are exceptionally well-suited to container growing, thriving in the well-draining conditions that pots provide. Varieties like ‘Picual’ or ‘Arbequina’ stay relatively compact and can handle the root restriction beautifully. These Mediterranean natives are drought-tolerant once established and prefer the lean conditions that container growing often provides.

USDA Growth Zone: 8 through 10.
Best Variety for Pots: Arbequina or Picual.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun. Drought-tolerant, prefers lean soil.
Pollination: Some are self-fertile. But they have better production with cross-pollination.

The main challenge is providing adequate winter protection in zones below 8, though many gardeners successfully overwinter olive trees in unheated garages or cool indoor spaces where they can go dormant.

10. Peach Trees

Gorgeous peach trees with lovely pink flowers growing in large pots.

Dwarf peach varieties, such as ‘Bonfire’ or ‘El Dorado’, can produce excellent fruit in containers! But, they require more attention than some other stone fruits. Luckily, container growing facilitates drainage, which is crucial since peaches are prone to root diseases in wet conditions. Peach trees also need frequent pruning to maintain their shape and size. Fruit thinning is vital in preventing branch breakage and ensuring optimal fruit size.

USDA Growth Zone: 5 through 9.
Best Variety for Pots: Dwarf Bonfire or El Dorado.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun. Good drainage is essential! Avoid overhead watering.
Pollination: Most are self-fertile.

Peach leaf curl can be more problematic in container culture due to the use of overhead watering. Therefore, drip irrigation or careful watering practices are essential for potted peach trees.

11. Fig Trees

Gardener carefully repotting a small fig tree into a larger pot.

Fig trees are arguably the easiest and most rewarding container fruit trees! Varieties like ‘Chicago Hardy’ or ‘Petite Negra’ are particularly well-suited to pot culture. Figs produce better fruit when their roots are restricted. So, containers are an ideal choice for growing them. They’re relatively drought-tolerant and can handle some neglect once established. Container growing also makes it easy to move cold-sensitive varieties to a protected location during winter.

USDA Growth Zone: 7 through 10.
Best Variety for Pots: Chicago Hardy or Petite Negra.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun, drought-tolerant, moderate Water.
Pollination: Self-fertile.

The main challenge is managing vigorous growth. Regular pruning is necessary to keep fig trees in bounds and encourage fruit production rather than excessive leaf growth.

12. Apricot Trees

A beautiful potted apricot tree with orange fruits.

Dwarf apricot varieties can succeed in containers, but they’re among the more challenging stone fruits to grow this way. Apricots bloom very early in spring, making them susceptible to late frost damage, a particular concern for container trees that may be more exposed than in-ground plantings. They need excellent drainage and consistent moisture during fruit development.

USDA Growth Zone: 5 through 8.
Best Variety for Pots: Moorpark or dwarf Golden varieties.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun, excellent drainage, consistent moisture during fruiting.
Pollination: Many are self-fertile.

The key is choosing cold-hardy varieties if you’re in a marginal climate and providing wind protection during bloom time.

13. Tangerine Trees

A colorful and lush potted tangerine tree with ripe fruit.

Tangerine trees, including mandarins and clementines, are excellent container subjects due to their naturally compact growth and heavy fruit production. Varieties like ‘Satsuma’ are wise choices because they’re more cold-tolerant than other citrus and ripen early in the season. Container culture allows you to move these trees to protection during cold snaps easily.

USDA Growth Zone: 9 through 11.
Best Variety for Pots: Satsuma or dwarf Clementine.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun, consistent moisture, regular fertilization.
Pollination: Self-fertile.

These tiny trees are surprisingly hungry! Regularly feeding your hungry tangerines during the growing season is essential for vigor and health.

14. Lemon Trees

Lovely potted lemon trees with green fruits growing in the backyard.

Meyer lemons are easily among the most popular citrus trees for growing in pots! They’re compact, nearly thornless, and can produce fruit almost year-round. Standard lemons, like ‘Eureka’, also work well in large containers. They’re more cold-tolerant than many citrus varieties and can often survive brief dips to the mid-20s.

USDA Growth Zone: 9 through 11.
Best Variety for Pots: Meyer Lemon or dwarf Eureka.
Sun & Water Needs: Full sun, consistent moisture with excellent drainage.
Pollination: Self-fertile.

Container culture provides fast-draining yet moisture-retentive conditions that lemon trees prefer.

Conclusion

Gorgeous orange tree with lovely fruits growing in a pot.

Your perfect mini-orchard, stuffed with container-grown fruit, awaits! Start with one potted fruit tree that excites you most, master its care, then watch your confidence and collection grow together into something beautifully delicious.

What about you?

Have you ever grown fruit in a container?
Will you grow some fruit in containers this year?
Which fruit will you go with first? Lemons and figs are arguably the easiest!

Thanks for reading.

Have a great day!

14 Best Fruit Trees To Grow In Containers And Pots – Even On A Porch Or Balcony!