Fast-growing fruit trees are the answer for gardeners who don’t want to wait a decade for fresh, homegrown fruit. Instead of waiting seven to ten years, some varieties will reward you with harvests in as little as two to three years.
These trees not only bring food to the table sooner but also fill your garden with lush foliage and seasonal beauty.
Many options are available in dwarf or container-friendly forms, making them perfect for small yards, patios, or even sunny balconies.
With the right care, they thrive in pots, raised beds, or traditional gardens, giving you flexibility no matter your space. If you dream of harvesting citrus, figs, cherries, or peaches in just a few short years, these ten fast-growing fruit trees are worth planting.
#1 Citrus Fruit Trees
Citrus trees like Meyer lemon and Satsuma orange are among the quickest fruit producers. Dwarf varieties grow well in containers, and with the right care, they can bear fruit in just one year.
Choose a sunny, wind-protected spot and plant them in well-draining, humus-rich soil. Keep the soil slightly moist and fertilize lightly during the growing season.
Indoors, place them near a bright window where they get six hours of sunlight. The reward is a steady supply of fragrant blossoms and juicy fruits.
#2 Fig Trees
Fig trees are famously easy to grow and start fruiting in as little as two years. Unlike many fruit trees, figs don’t need blossoms before producing fruit.
Plant them in well-draining, slightly acidic soil, and choose a location with plenty of warmth and sunlight. Water deeply, but let the soil dry a little between watering.
They also do well in large containers, which makes them perfect for patios. With just minimal effort, you’ll enjoy fresh figs quickly.
#3 Apricot Trees
Varieties like ‘Early Golden’ and ‘Moorpark’ apricots are known for their fast production, usually within three to four years. They thrive in cooler regions where winters provide the necessary chill hours.
Full sunlight and humus-enriched, well-draining soil help them thrive. Prune young trees to shape their canopy and encourage airflow.
Water deeply in the growing season but reduce in winter dormancy. Once established, apricots provide sweet, golden fruits perfect for fresh eating or preserves.
#4 Moringa Trees
Moringa, often called the “miracle tree,” grows fast and offers edible leaves, pods, and seeds. It prefers warm climates and can adapt well to containers. Use sandy or loamy soil with a neutral pH, and give it full sun for rapid growth.
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. The tree is highly valued for its nutritional benefits, adding both food and shade to your garden. Within a year, you’ll enjoy harvests of its tender leaves.
#5 Mulberry Trees
Mulberries are vigorous growers, often adding up to 2.5 feet each year. Once established, they produce heavy harvests of berries ideal for jams, pies, or fresh snacking. Plant them in full sun or light shade with fertile, well-draining soil.
Water deeply when young, then reduce as the tree matures. Though the fruits are smaller than other berries, their abundance makes up for it. Mulberries also attract birds, so you may want to net your trees during ripening.
#6 Cherry Trees
Some cherry varieties, especially sour cherries, start producing fruit in just three years, while sweet cherries take closer to four. They thrive in full sun and slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
Plant two trees nearby if your variety requires cross-pollination. Keep young trees watered consistently to encourage root establishment.
Sour cherries are particularly hardy and often yield earlier than sweets. A mature tree can provide a bountiful crop of glossy red fruit each summer.
#7 Pear Trees
Pear trees are reliable and often bear fruit within three to four years of planting. They grow best in full sunlight and loamy, sandy soils that drain well. Water deeply once a week during dry spells and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Dwarf varieties are ideal for small gardens or even large containers. Prune annually to keep their shape and encourage healthy fruiting wood. With patience and light care, pears reward you with sweet, juicy harvests.
#8 Peach Trees
Peach trees are among the fastest producers, often giving fruit within three years. They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Morning sunlight is especially helpful for drying dew and reducing disease risk.
Protect them from frost, as late cold snaps can harm blossoms. Fertilize lightly in spring and prune in winter to maintain shape. With the right conditions, your garden will fill with blossoms in spring and ripe, juicy peaches by summer.
#9 Mandarin Fruit Trees
Mandarin trees are smaller and easier to manage than many citrus varieties. Grafted trees can start producing fruit within two to three years, while seed-grown ones may take much longer.
Plant them in a sunny location where they get at least six hours of light each day. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering.
Fertilize with citrus feed to keep them thriving. The compact size makes them perfect for patios or small gardens.
#10 Apple Trees
Apple trees are a classic choice, and with the right variety, you can harvest within three to four years. Cold winters are essential for proper fruiting, so they do best in cooler climates.
Plant them in slightly acidic, well-draining soil with full sunlight. Most apples require a second tree for cross-pollination, so plan for space.
Water young trees weekly and mulch to protect roots. By the time blossoms open, you’ll know sweet, crisp apples aren’t far behind.