Dreaming of picking juicy peaches or crisp apples from your own backyard? You don’t need to wait a decade to enjoy homegrown fruit. While many fruit trees can take years to bear their first harvest, several fast-growing varieties can start producing in as little as 1 to 3 years.
Whether you have a large backyard or a cozy patio with containers, this guide will walk you through the best fast-growing fruit trees for your home garden. We’ll explore how long they take to mature, growing conditions, and expert tips to get the juiciest results—faster.
Why Choose Fast-Growing Fruit Trees?
Planting a fast-growing fruit tree is like planting joy that comes sooner. Here’s why they’re an excellent choice:
- Quicker Harvest: Enjoy fruits in a fraction of the time traditional varieties take.
- Ideal for Beginners: Many are hardy and low-maintenance.
- Perfect for Small Gardens: Dwarf and semi-dwarf options thrive in containers.
- Cost-Effective: Save money on store-bought fruit year after year.
- Great for Kids: A short timeline makes gardening exciting and rewarding for families.
Factors That Affect Fruit Tree Growth Speed
Before choosing a tree, it’s helpful to understand what influences how fast it grows and bears fruit:
1. Tree Age at Purchase
- Bare root trees may take longer to establish but are often cheaper.
- Potted or grafted trees are more mature and may bear fruit sooner.
2. Type of Tree
Some fruit trees are just naturally faster growers—while others (like cherry or pear) need more patience.
3. Rootstock
Trees grafted onto dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks often grow faster and begin fruiting earlier.
4. Growing Conditions
Sunlight, soil, water, pruning, and care all play a role in how quickly a tree produces fruit.
Fastest Growing Fruit Trees to Plant
Let’s look at the top picks that combine speed with flavor.
1. Peach Trees
- Time to Fruit: 2–4 years
- Zones: 5–9
- Sun: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy loam
Why It’s Great:
Peach trees grow quickly and can start producing large harvests within a few years. They’re self-pollinating and great for warm regions.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Reliance’ (cold hardy)
- ‘Elberta’ (classic peach flavor)
- ‘Bonanza’ (dwarf, container-friendly)
Pro Tip:
Annual pruning encourages more fruit and prevents disease.
2. Fig Trees
- Time to Fruit: 1–2 years
- Zones: 7–11 (or grow in containers in colder zones)
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Why It’s Great:
Figs are incredibly fast and often fruit within the first or second growing season. They also thrive in containers, making them perfect for patios or small spaces.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Brown Turkey’
- ‘Celeste’
- ‘Chicago Hardy’
Pro Tip:
Figs love warmth—use mulch and a south-facing wall to retain heat.
3. Apple Trees (Dwarf Varieties)
- Time to Fruit: 2–3 years (dwarf); 4–5 years (standard)
- Zones: 3–8
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Loamy, well-drained
Why It’s Great:
Apples are a classic for backyard orchards, and dwarf types yield quicker harvests.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Honeycrisp’
- ‘Gala’
- ‘Liberty’ (disease resistant)
Pro Tip:
Most apples need cross-pollination—plant two compatible varieties.
4. Plum Trees
- Time to Fruit: 3–6 years
- Zones: 4–9
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained loam
Why It’s Great:
Plums are fast growers with beautiful spring blossoms. Some varieties are self-fertile.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Methley’ (self-pollinating, sweet red fruit)
- ‘Santa Rosa’
- ‘Shiro’ (yellow plum, great for canning)
Pro Tip:
Thin fruit to prevent limb breakage and promote larger plums.
5. Mulberry Trees
- Time to Fruit: 1–3 years
- Zones: 4–9
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Tolerates most soils
Why It’s Great:
Mulberries grow fast, produce a lot of fruit, and attract birds and pollinators. The flavor is similar to blackberry or raspberry.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Illinois Everbearing’
- ‘Dwarf Everbearing’ (container suitable)
- ‘Pakistan’
Pro Tip:
They can stain patios or cars—plant away from driveways and walkways.
6. Cherry Trees (Dwarf or Bush Types)
- Time to Fruit: 2–4 years (dwarf)
- Zones: 4–8
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
Why It’s Great:
While standard cherry trees are slow, dwarf or bush cherry varieties can fruit in just a few years.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Carmine Jewel’
- ‘North Star’
- ‘Stella’ (self-pollinating sweet cherry)
Pro Tip:
Net your trees early—birds love ripe cherries.
7. Apricot Trees
- Time to Fruit: 2–4 years
- Zones: 5–8
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Loamy, slightly alkaline
Why It’s Great:
Apricots bloom early and mature fast. The fruit is excellent for fresh eating, drying, and preserving.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Moorpark’
- ‘Tilton’
- ‘Goldcot’
Pro Tip:
Protect from late frost, as early blooms are sensitive.
8. Lemon Trees (Container-Friendly)
- Time to Fruit: 1–3 years (grafted trees)
- Zones: 9–11 (or indoor/outdoor in pots elsewhere)
- Sun: 8+ hours
- Soil: Acidic, well-draining
Why It’s Great:
Dwarf lemon trees are compact and quick to bear fruit, especially indoors in a sunny spot.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Improved Meyer’
- ‘Eureka’
- ‘Lisbon’
Pro Tip:
Rotate indoor trees for even sun exposure.
9. Nectarine Trees
- Time to Fruit: 2–4 years
- Zones: 6–9
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile
Why It’s Great:
Nectarines are smooth-skinned cousins of peaches and offer similar fast growth with a more tart flavor.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Fantasia’
- ‘Goldmine’
- ‘Arctic Star’
Pro Tip:
Thin fruits to encourage large, juicy harvests.
10. Pomegranate Trees
- Time to Fruit: 2–3 years
- Zones: 7–10
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
Why It’s Great:
These ornamental trees are heat-tolerant and give vibrant red fruit packed with antioxidants.
Varieties to Try:
- ‘Wonderful’
- ‘Parfianka’
- ‘Red Silk’
Pro Tip:
Great for drought-tolerant gardens; minimal watering needed once established.
Tips to Speed Up Growth and Harvest
Want your trees to grow even faster and fruit earlier? Follow these expert strategies:
✅ Buy Grafted Trees
They mature quicker than seed-grown options and maintain true-to-type characteristics.
✅ Choose Dwarf or Semi-Dwarf Rootstock
These trees focus more energy on fruiting than growing tall.
✅ Fertilize Wisely
Use a balanced fruit tree fertilizer, especially in early spring and late summer.
✅ Mulch and Water Regularly
Mulch conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature—key for growth.
✅ Prune Correctly
Remove suckers and shape your tree to encourage airflow and stronger branches.
✅ Protect from Pests
Install barriers or use organic sprays to keep bugs and disease away in early growth stages.
Best Places to Buy Fast-Growing Fruit Trees
- Stark Bro’s Nurseries & Orchards Co. (www.starkbros.com)
- Nature Hills Nursery (www.naturehills.com)
- Fast Growing Trees (www.fast-growing-trees.com)
- Local Extension Nurseries – especially for regional varieties
FAQs About Fast-Growing Fruit Trees
Can I grow fruit trees in containers?
Absolutely. Look for dwarf varieties and use a pot at least 18–24 inches in diameter with drainage holes.
Do fast-growing trees still live long?
Yes—when properly cared for. Many continue producing for 20+ years.
How do I know if a tree is self-pollinating?
Check the label or variety description. Many stone fruits (peach, fig, apricot) are self-fruitful; apples and pears often need a pollinator.
How long do I have to wait to eat the fruit?
Most trees need at least 1 full growing season after flowering to produce edible fruit. First-year fruits may be small or few, but quality improves over time.
Conclusion
Planting a fruit tree is an act of hope—and with fast-growing varieties, that hope pays off sooner than you’d expect. From sun-loving peaches to cold-hardy apples, the choices are delicious and rewarding.
Start with one or two trees tailored to your climate and garden size, give them the right care, and you’ll be enjoying homegrown fruit before you know it.