14
Fast-Growing Fruit Trees
to Jump-Start
Your Edible Landscape
The disease-resistant columnar apple tree reaches 10 feet tall and just 2 feet wide, making it ideal for containers and small lots.
1. Columnar Apple Tree (Malus domestica var.)
Deep red plums have a sweet, slightly tart flavor and are good for preserving in jam, baking in quick breads, or eating right off the tree.
2. Santa Rosa Plum Tree (Prunus salicina ‘Santa Rosa’)
When ripe, the fiberless mangoes have a very creamy texture, reminiscent of sorbet.
4. Ice Cream Mango Tree (Mangifera indica ‘Ice Cream’)
Enjoy heirloom fruit known for its sweetness, large size, and juiciness right off the tree, or use it for canning and baking.
6. Dwarf Elberta Peach Tree (Prunus persica ‘Elberta’)
7. Fig Tree (Ficus carica)
They require a bit of TLC, including being vigilant about pruning and ensuring blooms get the nutrients they need, but they’re less fussy than other fruit trees.
8. Meyer Lemon Tree (Citrus x limon ‘Meyer’)
It’s smooth, creamy, and tastes like banana custard or mango. Attractive yellow fall foliage adds interest.
9. Pawpaw Tree (Asimina triloba)
10. Early Golden Apricot Tree (Prunus armeniaca ‘Early Golden’)
Technically not a tree, the banana is a large herbaceous plant with a thick, fleshy stem.
11. Banana (Musa acuminata)
12. Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry Tree (Morus nigra)
Although pomegranates grow at a moderate rate, they have a shrub rather than tree habit and reach mature heights of 10 to 12 feet.
13. Pomegranate Tree (Punica granatum)
When it receives lots of light, warmth, plenty of water, and fertilizer, it will reward you with dozens of small limes.
14. Mexican Key Lime Tree (Citrus x aurantiifolia)
More on
Get the Newsletter
Sign up to receive the best tips and tricks, the latest news and giveaways, and the most inspiring home improvement ideas from Bob Vila, America's Handyman since 1979.