Fruit trees are not only a fantastic addition to your garden looks-wise, but they're also great for the gardener striving for self-sufficiency. After all, there's nothing like enjoying the fruit from your very own tree.
From apple to orange and even plum, there's a variety of trees that you can grow on your own or buy ready-potted. The type of tree you opt for will have to suit your tastes, as well as your aesthetic garden preferences.
To make life easy, we've made a list of the best dwarf fruit trees to start growing in your garden or home today.
What is the easiest fruit tree to grow?
If you're looking for a low-maintenance fruit tree that is easy to grow, then it's important to look for specific fruits and fruit varieties. We've listed a few of the simplest fruit trees to grow and maintain in your garden or patio.
Plum tree
Plum trees have the ability to adapt and thrive in a variety of conditions, making them the best low-maintenance fruit tree. Make sure to choose a variety that will grow well in your region and climate, and you'll be rewarded with delicious sweet and beautiful fruits.
Apple tree
With too many varieties to count, dwarf apple trees need a good amount of space to grow and regular watering. The 'Golden Delicious' green variety is very common due to its crunchy texture and rich sweet flavour.
Fig tree
With a taste of nectar, figs are a commonly sought-out fruit tree. They grow well in pots and need regular watering and feeding during spring and summer.
Orange tree
Belonging to the citrus family, orange trees can grow as a houseplant during the winter and be moved outdoors come summertime. They need watering once or twice a week during the summer, and less so in winter.
Lemon tree
Flourishing in the spring and summer months, lemon trees need to be placed in a sunny, south-facing location and require protection from cold and frost.
The best fruit trees
1 of 8Lemon tree Standard
Decorative, fragrant and all-around beautiful, lemon trees are a great place to start when it comes to introducing fruit trees to your garden. The Four Seasons variety is heavy-cropping, producing big golden fruit and flowering all throughout the year. A fabulous gift that any avid gardener will be thrilled with.**Care instructions:**Place in a sunny position and put in conservatory or greenhouse during winter.Review: "So pleased with this lovely tree. it's covered in highly fragrant blossom plus four baby lemons already forming too. Already my house is full of its gorgeous perfume - one of my favourite scents of the Mediterranean. Lovely lush green growth and very healthy looking. Delivered promptly and packaged well. I would highly recommend this seller - they have been a pleasure to do business with."
2 of 8Fig Tree Ficus Carica
Is there anything more enjoyable than the honeyed taste of a fig come summertime? This red-browned variety is ready to be planted and produces fruit with dark red flesh up to two to three times per year. The variety is tolerant to the cold and grows well in areas with high sun exposure. A full growing kit and growing instructions are included in the package, and the plant arrives in a sturdy 9cm pot.**Care instructions:**Avoid full sun for the first 10 days and follow instruction booklet.Review: "Extremely well packaged, exactly as described. I will be purchasing more from these great people. A unique way to secure a plant, that really works. The fig tree is on my kitchen windowsill at the moment and growing so quickly. Only a few days since I unpacked it and I already have a new leaf. There was a new shoot at the top which is already unfurled and triple the size. I would definitely recommend them. Great value for money."
3 of 8Self-Fertile Kiwi ‘Jenny’ Fruit Tree
Looking to go a little more exotic with your fruit tree? This deciduous climber produces kiwi fruit that is rich in vitamin C and deliciously sweet. The plant contains heart-shaped leaves with red tips, with clusters of white flowers appearing come summertime.**Care instructions:**Feed and water regularly during hot periods.Review: "An absolutely beautiful plant with vigorous and healthy growth, lots of stems and in full leaf. Packaged with great care, it arrived in perfect condition. I thoroughly recommend it."
4 of 8Mini Orange Tree
A symbol of prosperity and hope, orange trees make for a wonderful decorative fruit tree. The citrus plant is fragrant, produces pretty white flowers and is ideal for an indoor window sill location, to be moved outdoors come summer.Care instructions: High sun exposure, requiring protection from winter conditions.Review: "Beautiful little plant that was carefully wrapped and boxed. Lovely white flowers that had wonderful perfume. Lots of little green orange balls on it, waiting to ripen. Glossy leaves. Love this plant. Already feeding it with citrus food."
5 of 8Lime Tree | Dwarf Fruit Trees
It doesn't get much better than a lovely lime tree that is easy to maintain and care for. Kept in optimum conditions by Dutch growers, you can place the tree on your patio, conservatory or anywhere with direct sunlight for your tree to flourish.**Care instructions:**A glass of water when the soil surface is dry.Review: "I love my purchase! This was brought as a Christmas present for my husband to put in our conservatory as a feature. It arrived early and was well packaged. I had contacted the seller for some initial advice as to unpacking and storing before Christmas day. They were very helpful and quick to respond. The tree itself is very healthy and came with six good-sized lemons growing on it, loads of flowers and at least four new lemons appearing. It's a real statement piece and my husband was very pleased with it. Highly recommend it if you are thinking of purchasing a lemon tree."
6 of 8Thompson & Morgan Potted Mini Fruit Tree Apple
Ideal for smaller gardens and patios, this 'Golden Delicious' apple tree is high yielding and low maintenance. You'll get crispy and sweet apples from late summer onwards, adding an elegant ornamental touch to your garden at the same time. These grow wonderfully around lemon, fig and strawberry trees.**Care instructions:**Water regularly, but avoid watering if the soil is still moist at 1cm depth.Review: "Delighted with my tree. Well packed, healthy and strong. Looking forward to seeing it growing and getting fruit in the future."
7 of 8Fruit Tree Collection (Mini Fruit Tree)
Why settle for one fruit tree when you can grow a variety? Get yourself a mini orchard, with dwarf trees that were designed to grow on your patio. This collection includes 'Golden Delicious' golden-green apples, red apples, pears, plums and cherries, all of which can be enjoyed fresh once ripe or in cooking.**Care instructions:**Plant in well-drained soil and place in a sheltered but sunny spot.Review: "Healthy looking plants, can't wait to eat the fruit when it grows!"
8 of 8Cherry & Plum Duo (Mini Fruit Trees)
Experience the delectable, exceptionally sweet flavour of plums and cherries this summer with your very own 'Black Amber' plum and 'Sylvia' cherry tree. This dwarf tree is easy to grow, reliable and will thrive in your garden or patio.**Care instructions:**Place in a sunny position.
Where do fruit trees grow best?
Sun, sun sun...and more sun. Aim for a spot with up to eight hours of sunlight and warmth to give your tree the best chance.
What fruit trees are best for Espalier?
Espalier is the practice of growing a plant on a flat surface, such as a fence or wall. Espaliers are usually done for decorative purposes, and some plants are easier to espalier than others.
In terms of fruit trees, apples and pears are best for espalier due to the fact that they have long-lived spurs, producing fruit for years and years to come.
More popular reads
The best garden furniture for lounging, dining and entertaining