Do you want to enjoy freshly harvested fruits but don’t have the area to dig or don’t want to hurt your back digging soil and pulling weed?
Container gardening is the answer.
It’s the perfect solution if you want to grow in a small area or even indoors. But there’s one problem: not all kind of fruits can grow in a container. You need to know which one can, and which one can’t.
Now, if you’re thinking of starting a container garden and growing fruits in it, then today’s post is for you. I’m going to share 13 fruits to grow in containers and grown on your deck or in your home.
Here we go:
13 Fruits to Grow in Containers
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are great fruits to grow in containers. The reason is that they are perennial so you only have to plant them once. Then you can bring them inside during the colder months so the roots will be protected from frost.
Just so you know, the best option of strawberries is the everbearing strawberries because you get two harvests a year. One in June and one in late summer. This is better for container gardeners so you don’t get overrun at once.
But you will need a pot about 18 inches wide to hold around 10 to 12 plants. They also need excellent drainage and about 8 hours of direct sunlight.
Learn more about growing strawberries in a pot ›
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are a little different to grow in a container. You need at least 2 plants to get a decent harvest. They will produce from June through August.
So in order to grow blueberries in a container, you will need a pot that is 22 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. Plus an acidic soil that is peat-based. With this concoction, you are well on your way to having enough blueberries to make an incredible pie.
Learn more about growing blueberries in a pot ›
3. Figs
Figs might seem like a random thing to grow in containers but really it is a great option. They only require a pot that is about 16 inches across. They are not finicky when it comes to soil either so it only needs to be well-drained.
But as non-finicky and drought tolerant as they are, they do still require full sun. Plus, you’ll need to water them daily during the hottest periods of summer since water evaporates faster with container gardening.
Learn more about growing figs in a pot ›
4. Tomatoes
Yes, I threw this one in here to kind of give you a curve ball. But in reality, tomatoes are considered a fruit.
So of course, they can be grown in containers too. They will need some support when they start to take off as their fruit gets a little heavy. But if you plant them in a large enough container, they should do quite well.
Read this article if you’d like more information on growing tomatoes, and this one for tomato trellis/cage ideas.
5. Pineapple
When I came across this option for growing fruit in containers, I’ll admit, I got a little excited. Why? Because I love pineapple. After reviewing this recipe, you’ll understand why.
But I digress, so establishing pineapples as fruits to grow in containers isn’t difficult. You just cut the crown off of a pineapple. Then soak it in water for a day or two. Then you’ll plant it in a gallon sized container and place in the sun. With a little time and care, you’ll have your own homegrown pineapple.
Learn more about growing pineapples ›
6. Cantaloupe
This is an option for growing fruit in a container that I definitely want to try. We grow cantaloupes every year in our garden and nothing beats the fresh taste.
But you will need a large container to grow cantaloupe. You treat them as if you were growing them in your garden. The only thing is to be sure you provide a trellis or stick to support the fruit and give the vines a place to grow.
Learn more about growing pineapples ›
7. Bananas
You can actually get a dwarf option of a regular banana plant. They are perennials so you only have to plant them once if you prune them back and bring them indoors during the winter to protect the plants from frost.
However, you will need a large container with drain holes so the plant doesn’t drown. Isn’t that just the neatest thing, though? You don’t have to live in the tropics to have your own bananas anymore. And to make it even better, they are fruits to grow in containers that you can move anywhere that is convenient for you. This is just one more way to help you give up on the grocery store, too.
Learn more about growing bananas indoor ›
8. Watermelon
This is another plant that I had never considered growing in a container, but now that it has been brought to my attention, I do believe I’ll have to try it. I think I’d like the container options because it keeps the vine neat and not growing all over your garden.
But it is recommended that if you raise watermelon in a container that you use one that is self-watering because watermelons require so much water. They can be grown indoors or outdoors. The only stipulation is that they have to be given sunlight daily. But you can do this by direct sunlight; artificial sunlight; or even through a window.
Learn more about growing watermelon in a pot ›
9. Currants
I am probably going to hear a loud gasp across the homesteading community, but I have never actually eaten a currant. I have an awesome recipe for currant jam though that I’d love to try out when I plant some currants in the near future.
After realizing I can grow them in a container, I’m thinking I just might plant them next year. They don’t require a lot of effort growing them in a container. All you need is a large pot; lots of water; and they need an adequate amount of compost mixed into their dirt. The currants can be grown as bushes or trained to go up a trellis as well. That makes them that much more appealing to me.
Learn more about growing currants ›
10. Gooseberries
This is another plant option I passed up this year and am thinking of reconsidering next year. Now that I know that they can be planted in containers I no longer have to miss out on growth opportunities due to worries of running out of space.
So if you are unfamiliar with gooseberries, they basically require the same care as currants do. You will need a large pot to grow them in, but you can give them all of the same soil and fertilizing requirements as you do the currants. But where currants are apparently awesome for homemade jams, gooseberries apparently make amazing pies.
Learn more about growing gooseberries ›
11. Fruit Trees
I began researching more about growing fruit trees indoors after I first discovered you could grow Meyer Lemon trees indoors all of those years ago. You can grow virtually any dwarf version of a fruit tree in a container. It is awesome because you just put them outside during the summer and bring them in over winter.
So you can grow cherries, peaches, apples, pears, Meyer lemons, limes, and oranges too. I have my cherry, peach, apple, and pear trees planted outside as of now. But I have grown limes, lemons, and orange trees indoors. The only ones that didn’t survive were murdered by my cats. So I’ve always had pretty good luck with growing fruit trees indoors and in containers.
Learn more about growing fruit trees in a pot ›
12. Mulberries
This is another one I’m going to try my best to plant next year. Now that I know it can go in a pot on my back patio, I now have no excuse not to grow them!
So the deal with mulberries is that you usually need to buy the dwarf option of the plant and plant them in a large container. The only downside to mulberries is apparently the ripe fruit will leave hideous stains on your patio or porch. So keep that in mind if growing them in a container.
Learn more about growing mulberries in a pot ›
13. Passion Fruit
Passion fruit is such a beautiful fruit. Often times, we just assume that we can’t grow things because of where we live. Well, container gardening has changed all of that. Regardless of where you live, there is a great chance that you can still grow passion fruit in a container.
So passion fruit is a perennial vine so you should only have to plant it once. I don’t know about you, but perennials have a special place in my heart because I do only have to plant them one time. The only special treatment passion fruit has is that it needs a sturdy trellis for its heavy harvest.
Learn more about growing mulberries in a pot ›
Well, there you have 13 great ideas for fruits to grow in containers, add more life to your patio, and help you get away from the grocery store.
Now, let’s talk about some quick tips on growing fruits in a pot:
Fruits to Grow in Containers Gardening Tips
- Just because they grow in a container, doesn’t mean that they don’t need sunlight. They still need it, some of them need it a lot, some of them not so much.
- Drainage is the most important thing to consider. It’s the number one factor why people fail to grow plants in a container.
- Potted plants don’t have access to nutrients, make sure to feed your plants by adding fertilizer every week or two. It’s impossible to grow in a container with it, especially fruits.
- Bigger plants need bigger pots, it’s common sense but some people keep ignoring it.
- One plant in one pot will produce more than four plants in one pot. Do not overcrowd your plants.
- Make sure to use the best potting soil. More potting soil = better, there’s no such thing as “over soiling”.
- Some plants can’t be neighbors, and some are the best neighbors. Make sure to find out what are the best and worst neighbors for the plant that you want to grow.
- Some of them will die, it’s inevitable, your job is to find out why. If one of the pots showing signs of disease, quarantine it.
- Find out how big should each plant grow up to so you know if it’s lack of nutrition and doesn’t grow normally.
- Different plants need a different amount of water. Don’t over water, and don’t under water.