Growing fruit trees in containers is surprisingly easy, and there are some decided advantages. A small fruit tree in a pot can be moved around on a patio, deck, or courtyard to get the most out of the sun and shade. If your garden soil isn’t great, you can still grow plants that would otherwise die by putting them in a large container and filling it with a specially made growing medium. Finally, growing in pots makes it possible to grow certain species that are borderline hardy in your region. Keep in mind, though, that fruit trees grown in pots usually produce fewer fruits than trees planted in the ground. However, the fruits may be ready to pick earlier.
Although everything takes some time to get good at, growing trees in pots isn’t any harder than growing them in the ground as long as you follow a few simple rules.
More and more gardeners are discovering the joys of growing fruit trees in containers With the right pots, soils, care, and cultivars, you can enjoy homegrown fruits like apples, pears, peaches, plums, and more – even with limited space However, one key to success with container fruit trees is using the proper potting soil. This provides nutrition, drainage, and an ideal texture for root growth. In this article, we’ll explore the best soils for potted fruit trees and how to choose the right mix.
Overview of Fruit Trees in Containers
Growing fruit trees in pots and planters offers many advantages
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Fit more trees and varieties in small gardens by utilizing vertical space
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Easily move trees to capture optimal sun exposure
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Avoid poor native soil by creating ideal growing conditions
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Grow trees not hardy enough for local climate by overwintering indoors
Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit tree cultivars are best suited for containers, as they reach just 2-8 feet tall at maturity. Full-size fruit trees quickly outgrow pots. Focus on compact varieties grafted onto rootstocks like G.935, Gisela®, and dwarfing interstems for container culture.
Provide at least a 10-15 gallon pot and high-quality potting soil. Situate in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and protect from harsh winds. Consistent watering and fertilization is key. With proper care, container fruit trees can yield full-sized, delicious fruits!
Special Considerations for Potted Fruit Trees
Growing any plant in a container comes with unique considerations:
Watering – Pots dry out faster than in-ground plantings, so fruit trees need frequent watering to maintain evenly moist (but not soggy) soil.
Nutrition – The limited soil volume makes regular fertilization important to prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Root growth – Restricted root space means trees depend heavily on the soil quality. Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mixes are essential.
Cold protection – Containerized trees are more exposed to freezing temperatures than their in-ground counterparts. Strategies like overwintering in unheated structures may be needed in cold zones.
Pruning and training – The confined root system limits vegetative growth, so pruning and training helps keep trees compact and productive.
Repotting – As trees outgrow their pots, moving them into larger containers maintains vigor and allows further growth.
Choosing the Best Soil for Container Fruit Trees
The right potting mix provides fruit trees with moisture retention, drainage, and nutrients. Here are top options:
Potting Mix
A high-quality potting mix specially formulated for container gardening is an excellent choice for fruit trees. These mixes are lightweight, well-draining, and typically contain a blend of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and other organic materials.
Avoid regular garden soil, as it will compact over time and inhibit drainage. Invest in a commercial blend designed for optimal aeration and moisture control in pots and planters.
Potting Soil with Fertilizer
For simpler fruit tree care, look for potting soils that have starter fertilizer mixed in, such as Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix. These provide nutrients for the first few months of growth. Supplement with a balanced liquid fertilizer thereafter.
Soilless Potting Mixes
Soilless mixes contain no actual soil, just lightweight base ingredients like peat moss, coconut coir, perlite, bark fines, and more. They are sterile, well-aerated, and retain moisture effectively. DIY mixes can be created by combining these ingredients in ideal ratios.
Cactus & Citrus Mix
Blended for optimal drainage, cactus and citrus mixes work well for fruit trees. Components like sand, perlite, and gravel provide excellent aeration. Use for trees prone to issues like root rot if overwatered.
Acidic Potting Mix
For blueberries and other acid-loving fruits, use an acidic potting medium designed to reach a low pH around 4.5-5.5. Ingredients like peat moss, pine bark fines, and sulfur help achieve this.
DIY Fruit Tree Potting Mix Recipes
If you want to blend your own custom soil, try one of these recipes:
Basic Mix
- 1 part sphagnum peat moss
- 1 part perlite or vermiculite
- 1 part compost
Fast Draining Mix
- 2 parts peat moss
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part pine bark fines
Acidic Blueberry Mix
- 2 parts peat moss
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part pine bark fines
- 1 handful sulfur
Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a wheelbarrow or cement mixer. For trees, aim for a lightweight, fluffy texture. DIY blends may require added fertilizer since they lack synthetic nutrients.
Key Properties to Look for in Fruit Tree Potting Soil
No matter which mix you choose, ensure it has these qualities:
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Excellent drainage – Rapid drainage prevents soggy soil and root rot. Perlite, vermiculite, bark, coconut coir, and sand improve aeration and permeability.
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Moisture retention – Ingredients like peat moss, coco coir, and wood products help soil hold moisture between waterings. Avoid moisture extremes.
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Nutrient content – Essential macro and micronutrients fuel growth. While some mixes contain fertilizer, supplemental feeding is often needed.
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Ideal pH – Most trees prefer slightly acidic soil around pH 6.0-6.5. Acidic mixes suit blueberries.
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Lightweight texture – Heavy garden soils easily become compacted in pots. Light, fluffy mixes are better for root growth.
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Organic matter – Compost, peat, bark, coir, etc. provide nutrients while improving texture. Avoid 100% mineral mixes.
Preparing Potting Soil for Fruit Trees
Follow these tips when planting trees in containers:
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Start with moist, not soggy, potting mix. Dry mixes resist rewetting.
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Choose a pot with drainage holes and cover holes with screen to prevent soil loss.
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For larger trees, add lime if needed to raise pH after testing soil.
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Mix in slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote® to provide nutrients for 3-4 months.
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Tamp down lightly to remove air pockets after planting tree.
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Top off pots with 1-2 inches of mulch to conserve moisture.
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Shelter trees for the first few weeks to allow roots to establish before exposing to wind and harsh sun.
Ongoing Care of Potted Fruit Tree Soil
Proper watering, fertilizing, and repotting maintains optimal growing conditions:
Watering – Check soil moisture frequently. Water whenever the top few inches become dry. Avoid soggy soil.
Fertilizing – Supplement with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season. Watch for nutrient deficiencies.
Repotting – Shift trees into progressively larger containers as they outgrow pots. This stimulates new root growth.
Aeration – Gently turn over and loosen soil periodically to prevent compaction. Prune roots as needed.
Replenish mulch – Maintain 1-2 inches of mulch to retain moisture and prevent evaporation.
**Test pH **- Check pH yearly and amend soil as needed to maintain ideal acidity levels.
Common Problems to Avoid
Using the right potting soil helps avoid issues like:
- Root rot from excessive moisture
- Nutrient deficiencies from lack of fertility
- Stunted growth from compacted soils
- Leaf yellowing from improper pH
- Small fruits due to limited root space
Providing excellent drainage, nutrition, and root room gives container trees their best chance of success.
Key Takeaways on Potting Soils for Fruit Trees
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High-quality commercial potting mixes offer an easy solution for container culture. Or create custom blends using ingredients like peat moss, perlite, compost, etc.
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Ensure the soil drains readily yet holds moisture between waterings. The ideal texture is lightweight and fluffy.
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Supplement soils with slow-release fertilizer at planting time to support initial growth. Continue feeding every 2-3 months.
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Avoid compacting. Loosening soil yearly and pruning circling roots maintains aeration and root health.
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Repotting into progressively larger containers allows trees to continue vigorous growth.
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Test and amend soil pH regularly to maintain ideal acidity levels.
With the right pot, the proper potting soil, and attentive care, growing fruit trees in containers can yield years of luscious, homegrown flavor. Paying attention to the soil provides the foundation for success. Give your potted trees a high-quality medium matched to their preferences and fertilize consistently, and you’ll be harvesting basketfuls of juicy fruits in no time!
Use Quality Pots
Cheaper is not always better. Choose a quality pot if the tree is going to be in it for any length of time. Avoid cheap plastic pots, which can become faded and dull within a year or two. Drainage holes are necessary. To begin, it is best to put fruit trees in pots that are at least 10 to 16 inches across. Glazed ceramic pots or good quality polyurethane are good choices.
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The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Choose the Right Type of Soil
A main consideration with container-grown fruit trees is the soil type. Any good quality commercial potting soil will work for most trees. The amount of water they need will depend on the potting soil they are put in. One part sand, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or vermiculite can also be mixed together to make your own great potting soil. If not, taking care of a fruit tree in a pot should be pretty much the same as taking care of a tree in the garden.
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The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Growing Fruit Trees In Container Pots, Ep 151
FAQ
What is the best soil for fruit trees in pots?
Can you use Miracle Grow potting soil for fruit trees?
What compost is best for fruit trees in pots?
What soil should I use for potted trees?
What is a good potting soil for a fruit tree?
Good varieties include ‘Glen Ample’ and ‘Glen Moy.’ A main consideration with container-grown fruit trees is the soil type. The growing medium (potting soil) chosen for a pot can change the amount of water needed for the tree, but in general, any good quality commercial potting soil will work fine.
How big a pot should a fruit tree grow?
A deep, wide container is best for growing fruit trees. The diameter of the pot needs to accommodate the root ball with some room to spare. Start with the smallest container size your tree will allow, and step up from there, amending the growing medium each time. A 5- to 7-gallon pot may be all you need to start with.
Can you grow fruit trees in containers?
Follow the link for an interview with Stark Bro’s and more helpful advice on growing fruit trees in containers from About.com. If you want to grow your own fruit but have limited space, try growing fruit trees in containers. Here are some recommendations on getting started.
Can you grow fruit trees in pots?
So many types of fruit tree varieties can be grown in pots. Here are a few, including varieties, to consider for your container garden: Greensleeves apples can be found in dwarf varieties growing to 6 feet. You’ll find several varieties of columnar apple trees, which grow as a main stem (or trunk) with short spurs instead of full branches.