When we first planted our little backyard orchard, I wanted fruit—fast. I didn’t have the patience to wait a decade for apples or pears to appear. So I set out to find the quickest producers, trees that could go from sapling to harvest in just a few years. And you know what? There are plenty!
Whether you’re in a cool climate, warm region, or just have space for a container tree, there’s a fast-growing fruit tree for you.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 17 of the fastest growing fruit trees, grouped by climate. These trees grow quickly and many start producing fruit in just 1–3 years. Let’s get planting!
Fast-Growing Fruit Trees for Most Climates (Zones 4–8)
1. Mulberry Trees
Mulberries are one of the fastest-growing fruit trees around—some can grow up to 2 feet a year. Even better? They often produce fruit in just 1–2 years. Their sweet berries are beloved by birds, so be sure to net the tree if you want a good harvest for yourself! Find Mulberry Trees ➾
2. Peach Trees
Peach trees can put on 12–24 inches of growth a year and start fruiting in just 2–3 years. They love full sun and well-drained soil. Choose varieties like ‘Redhaven’ or ‘Elberta’ for reliable growth and flavor. Find Peach Trees ➾
3. Plum Trees
Plums, especially Japanese varieties like ‘Santa Rosa’, are quick to grow and quick to fruit—often within 2–3 years. These trees are beautiful in bloom and offer juicy fruit perfect for snacking or jam. Find Plum Trees ➾
4. Apricot Trees
Apricot trees grow quickly in dry, sunny climates and can start producing in 2–3 years. They prefer well-drained soil and will reward you with fragrant blossoms and sweet early-summer fruit. Find Apricot Trees ➾
5. Asian Pear Trees
These trees combine the crisp texture of apples with the sweetness of pears. They grow quickly and fruit in 2–4 years. Look for varieties like ‘Shinseiki’ or ’20th Century’ for fast results. Find Pear Trees ➾
6. Apple Trees (Dwarf & Semi-Dwarf)
While standard apple trees can take years to produce, dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties grafted onto fast-growing rootstocks like M26 can fruit in 2–4 years. Perfect for small gardens and backyard growers. Find Dwarf Apple Trees ➾
7. Sour Cherry Trees
Compact and cold-hardy, sour cherry trees like ‘Montmorency’ grow fast and produce deliciously tart fruit in 3–4 years. Their spring blossoms are a bonus! Find Cherry Trees ➾
Fast-Growing Fruit Trees for Warm Climates (Zones 8–11)
8. Banana Trees (Dwarf Varieties)
Dwarf bananas are some of the quickest producers in the fruit world—often bearing fruit within 9–15 months. They thrive in full sun with regular watering and rich soil. Perfect for tropical or subtropical gardens. Find Dwarf Banana Trees ➾
9. Papaya Trees
Papayas aren’t technically trees, but they grow and produce like one. In tropical climates, papayas can fruit in under a year. They love heat, humidity, and well-drained soil. Find Papaya Trees ➾
10. Fig Trees
Figs are incredibly forgiving and productive. In warm climates, they can start producing in just 1–2 years. ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘Chicago Hardy’ are great varieties that do well in the ground or containers. Find Fig Trees ➾
11. Guava Trees
Guavas grow quickly and start producing in 2–3 years. They love sun and warmth, and their sweet tropical fruit is packed with vitamin C. Ideal for coastal and southern gardens. Find Guava Trees ➾
12. Pomegranate Trees
These drought-tolerant trees grow fast and often fruit within 2–3 years. They thrive in full sun and are perfect for xeriscaped gardens or dry regions. Find Pomegranate Trees ➾
13. Loquat Trees
Loquats are evergreen, attractive, and fast to mature—usually bearing fruit within 2–4 years. They produce tangy-sweet fruit early in the season and work beautifully as landscape trees. Find Loquat Trees ➾
14. Jujube Trees
These underrated trees thrive in poor soil, heat, and drought. Jujubes grow quickly and can begin producing in just 2–3 years. Their fruit tastes like chewy apples with a hint of date. Find Jujube Trees ➾
Fast-Growing Fruit Trees for Containers or Small Spaces
15. Calamondin Orange
This citrus hybrid is ideal for pots and small spaces. It fruits abundantly in just 1–2 years and can be grown indoors in cooler climates. Its tart little oranges are great for marmalade. Find Calamondin Orange Trees ➾
16. Dwarf Fig Trees
Figs strike again! Dwarf varieties like ‘Petite Negra’ grow fast in containers and often fruit within the first couple of years. They’re a great choice for patios and balconies. Find Dwarf Fig Trees ➾
17. Lemon Trees (‘Improved Meyer’)
The ‘Improved Meyer’ lemon is a container favorite. With bright yellow fruit and fragrant blooms, it can start producing in just 1–2 years. Give it full sun, regular water, and a little citrus fertilizer. Find Lemon Trees ➾
Clive’s Tips for Growing Fruit Trees Fast
- Start with young grafted trees rather than seeds—they’ll bear fruit years sooner.
- Plant in full sun and use nutrient-rich, well-drained soil for rapid growth.
- Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune strategically—removing weak branches early helps redirect energy to growth and fruiting.
Fast-growing fruit trees are a brilliant way to enjoy the rewards of gardening sooner. With a bit of planning and the right tree for your climate, you’ll be harvesting your own fruit before you know it!
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