When you think of planting fruit trees, you’re probably thinking that you’re planting it now so that your children can enjoy it, once it’s grown to a proper size and has started producing fruit. And in most cases, that is true. Even if you plant a sprout, it will still take a very long time for it to grow.
To avoid that, you can opt for a fast-growing tree species. And while you might think that we’re looking only at some exotic trees, you’ll be surprised. One of those fast-growing types is none other than the most popular fruit on the planet – apple. Also, peach and figs.
While there are many fast-growing types of fruit trees, in this article, we’ll cover five. Just so that you get an idea of what’s possible. And the best part about this is – you don’t have to be an expert gardener in order to be reward with a successful harvest.
1. Red Lady Papaya Tree – A Tropical Favorite
The Red Lady Papaya Tree is a great choice because it’s one of the fastest-fruiting trees. It’s possible to have delicious fruits of papaya in a period of 7 to 12 months after planting. It’s also a tropical fruit, therefore it loves a warm climate. But don’t lose hope, because you can still grow your Red Lady Papaya Tree in a container if you’re from cooler areas.
Red Lady Papaya Tree:
• Growth Speed: 6-10 feet in one year
• Fruit Yield: Approx. 50-80 papayas in a season
• Best Growing Conditions: Sunshine, rapidly draining soil, and regular watering
• Bonus Tip: You may plant several papaya trees in proximity so that the fruits from one tree can set and yield better with cross-pollination.
2. Fig Trees – Low Maintenance and Productive
If you are a beginner this is the fruit tree you were looking for! This is literally the easiest fruit tree to grow. For about 1 to 2 years after planting becomes its first fruit maturity and it will be bearing its fruit for decades.
Here are some of the interesting things to know about fig trees.
• Growth Speed: 3 to 5 feet per year
• Fruit Yield: In warm climates, two harvests per year
• Best Growing Conditions: Partial to full sun, drought-tolerant once established
• Bonus Tip: Fig trees are probably the most perfect backyard garden tree because they don’t need pollinators.
3. Peach Trees – Sweet and Juicy Reward
If you don’t want to wait around for a decade so that a tree starts bearing fruit, then a peach tree is perfect for you. Varieties like Elberta and Redhaven start producing fruit in two to three years. For those living in moderate climates, this is also the best option, because this is the ideal climate for peach trees with the addition of a winter chill to set fruit properly.
• Growth Speed: 2-4 feet in one year
• Fruit Yield: One tree gives from 50 to 150 peaches
• Best Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-draining soil, annual pruning
• Bonus Tip: If you want better fruiting you should consider planting at least two compatible varieties. This is crucial because peach trees need cross-pollination.
4. Mulberry Trees – Fastest Growing Shade and Fruit Tree
Mulberry trees, one of the fastest-growing fruit trees, are cultivated mostly in ideal conditions. Also, because of its large-sized and densely packed leaves, it’s perfect for creating shade.
• Growth Speed: 6-10 feet per year
• Fruit Yield: Hundreds of berries for a season
• Best Growing Conditions: It can thrive in a lot of different soils, and requires minimal care
• Bonus Tip: If you don’t want purple/blue stains on your patios or walkways plant mulberries away from them.
5. Apple Trees – A Classic Choice for Home Gardens
Apple trees are always a good choice which is the reason why they are so popular among gardeners. Some varieties can give you first fruits in just 2-4 years. Some of the fastest-producing (and popular) apple varieties are Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp.
• Growth Speed: 2-3 feet in a year
• Fruit Yield: 100-400 apples for a season
• Best Growing Conditions: Full sun, well-draining soil, winter pruning
• Bonus Tip: Similar to peach trees, apples need cross-pollination, so the advice is the same – plant two or three varieties near them.
Comparison Table on Fastest Growing Fruit Trees
This is a brief overview of the best fast-growing fruit trees and a few of their main characteristics.
Conclusion
Usually, when you plant a tree, or even a sprout, you’ll have to wait up to a dozen years until you see the first fruit. And it’ll also take a lot of time and dedication on your end for that to happen. With fast-growing trees, you’re cutting that waiting time significantly, and instead of waiting for a decade, you can expect to see the literal fruits of your labor in a single year.
We’ve covered the Red Lady Papaya Tree which will produce fruit extremely quickly. Figs, which require almost zero care. And also the Mulberry tree which is great at creating that much-needed shade during those long and hot summer days.
Whichever tree you opt for, if it’s a fast grower, you’ll have what seems like ‘instant’ fruits compared to normal growers.
