Growing fruit in our yards or even in our homes is an exciting proposition. Because we can watch and control the growing and care process, we can grow fruit that is healthy and free of chemicals that are bad for it. It is also a wonderful learning experience for us and our children. My kids are so excited to pick their own fruits and vegetables. They are also more likely to try something new if they can see it grow and be a part of the process. But growing fruit isn’t always the easiest of tasks. Many fruit trees require pruning and, oftentimes, spraying for pests and disease. So, what are the easiest fruit trees to grow?.
I love citrus trees. These fruit trees can be grown as patio plants in most climates as long as you know how to take care of them. I have had no problem growing them in North and South Carolina. They grow well in pots that have good drainage. Citrus trees are some of the easiest fruit trees to grow inside because they don’t need chill hours and can be trimmed to stay small. For more information on growing citrus trees indoors, click here.
Citrus trees like lemons and limes are popular choices for home gardens and containers. Their shiny green foliage and brightly colored, nutrient-packed fruits are appealing. But when it comes to choosing between lemon or lime trees, which one is truly easier to grow?
As a longtime gardener in zone 7b, I’ve had experience growing both Meyer lemon and Key lime trees in pots. After trial and error over the years I’ve learned pros and cons of each that can help determine which may be better suited for your climate and gardening abilities.
Key Factors in Ease of Growth
Several key factors impact how easily citrus trees grow
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Climate and hardiness – Meyer lemons do best in zones 8-11, while Key limes thrive in zones 9-10. This makes Key limes slightly less cold hardy.
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Soil, sun, and water needs – Both require well-draining soil and at least 6 hours of sun daily. Lime trees tend to be more tolerant of different soil types and require slightly less frequent watering.
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Pruning and pollination – Minimal pruning is needed for either tree. Both are self-pollinating so only one is needed for fruit production.
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Pest and disease resistance – Meyer lemons have better disease resistance overall. Lime trees can be more prone to pests like mites.
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Time to fruit production – Limes produce fruit more quickly in 1-3 years vs. 2+ years for lemons.
Lime Tree Pros
Here are some of the advantages of Key lime trees that make them easier to grow in many cases:
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More cold hardy – Can tolerate temps down to 20°F vs. lemons that need above 30°F.
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Lesser water needs – Require watering only 1-2 times per week in pots. Drought tolerant when established.
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Tolerant of various soil types – Grow well in sandy, loam or clay soils with good drainage.
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Faster fruiting – Produce ripe limes in as little as 1-3 years after planting.
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Versatile uses – Key limes are ideal for juicing, adding to drinks, and using in recipes.
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Lower maintenance – Require less frequent pruning and spraying than lemon trees.
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Self-pollinating – A single tree will set fruit without a pollinator.
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Compact size – Dwarf varieties can grow in pots just 2-4 feet tall. Easy for patios and indoor growing.
Lemon Tree Pros
On the other hand, here are some of the advantages of Meyer lemon trees:
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Cold hardy to 20°F – Tolerates cold better than regular lemon varieties.
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Sweet, versatile fruit – The sweeter juice has multiple culinary uses.
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Fragrant flowers – The blossoms emit a lovely citrusy scent.
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Disease resistant – More tolerant of common diseases like scale and fungus.
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Larger harvests- Produce a greater volume of lemons per tree once established.
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Longer shelf life – Lemons keep longer than thin-skinned limes.
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Versatile uses – Meyer lemons work well in baked goods, jams, drinks and more.
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Attractive tree – Glossy leaves and bright fruits are beautiful in a garden.
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Indoor growing – Compact varieties thrive indoors near sunny windows.
Key Differences Summarized
| Factor | Lime Trees | Lemon Trees |
|---|---|---|
| Best Growing Zones | 9-11 | 8-11 |
| Sun Needs | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil Needs | Sandy or loam, well-draining | Well-draining |
| Watering Frequency | 1-2x per week | 2-3x per week |
| Time to Fruit | 1-3 years | 3-6 years |
| Cold Hardiness | To 20°F | To 30°F |
| Disease Resistance | Moderate | Good |
| Pruning Needs | Low | Light |
| Pollination | Self-pollinating | Self-pollinating |
| Harvest Volume | Lower | Higher |
| Shelf Life | Shorter | Longer |
Choosing the Best Tree for You
When weighing the pros and cons, Key lime trees emerge as easier to grow overall, especially for beginner gardeners. Their higher cold hardiness, faster fruiting, reduced water needs and built-in pest resistance give them an advantage.
However, gardeners in zones 8-11 may find Meyer lemons easier to cultivate. Their sweeter fruit and fragrant flowers make them ideal for warm climates. Those with disease-prone gardens may also favor their increased disease resistance.
No matter which you choose, focus on selecting a dwarf variety suited to container growing if you plan to keep the tree on a patio or move it indoors seasonally. With either Meyer lemons or Key limes, you can enjoy the fresh flavor of homegrown citrus fruits!
Growing Tips for Success
Once you’ve picked the right tree, proper care is key to keeping your lemon or lime healthy and productive. Here are some top tips:
Soil – Use a high quality potting mix with added perlite for drainage. Amend garden soil with compost.
Sun – Site in full sun, ideally 6 hours or more daily.
Water – Water thoroughly when top few inches of soil are dry. Don’t overwater.
Fertilizer – Feed in spring with citrus fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen blends.
Pruning – Prune to shape in spring, removing suckers and inward facing branches.
Pests – Check regularly for scale, mealybugs and mites. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soap.
Winter care – Move pots to a sunny indoor spot. Limit watering and stop fertilizing.
Hardiness – Protect trees from dips below 20°F for limes and 30°F for lemons.
Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
Adding a potted Meyer lemon or Key lime tree to your garden is a rewarding endeavor. Not only are the blossoms and foliage visually striking, but you’ll enjoy harvesting buckets of fresh citrus fruits for cooking, baking and beverages. With the right variety and proper care, you can experience the sweet, tart flavor of homegrown lemons or limes for years to come!
Best Fig Trees for Containers
The Celeste Fig is a great little fig tree with delicious fruit. This dwarf fig tree is pest and disease resistant and easy to grow.
This is the tiniest fig tree you can buy. It’s only 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. It is perfect for containers, disease resistant, and a heavy fruiter.
For more information on growing fig trees in pots, click here.
Citrus Trees for Growing Zones 9, 10, and 11
I don’t like it when bigger citrus trees are grown in pots, especially indoors, but it’s not impossible. But the Blood Orange Tree, the Navel Orange Tree, and the Ruby Red Grapefruit Tree are all easy to grow in the right soil and growing zones. These larger fruits are better supported by a full size tree.
Banana trees are incredibly fast growing fruit trees. They only grow in warmer climates and fruit best in full sun and warm temperatures. I primarily recommend planting banana trees in zones 8b to 11 for the best fruit production. But I was shocked a few weeks ago when I saw a big banana flower on some banana trees growing in my zone 7b. I’m sure our relatively mild winter was the reason this tree may actually produce fruit this year. That’s pretty cool, but not at all normal! If you have a very sunny spot in your home, you can grow banana trees there. Banana trees are self fertile so you only need 1 plant to have fruit.
It’s easy to grow this dwarf banana tree in pots, but it grows quickly, so be ready to move it when it needs to be.
Fig Trees are incredibly easy to grow. In fact they are probably some of the easiest fruit trees to grow. They require little to no maintenance once they are established. I’ve seen fig trees in South Carolina and North Carolina that haven’t been fertilized or watered other than when it rains and they’re still fruiting like crazy! They need 100 to 300 chill hours a year to grow indoors all year. They can be grown as patio plants that are moved indoors during the harshest temperatures in winter. Just remember they need those chill hours between 45 and 32 degrees to produce figs.
How you can grow a citrus tree anywhere | Citrus | Gardening Australia
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