Dwarf Fruit Trees- what types ?
Question:Want to try fruit trees in large pots, have south facing garden on Essex Coast, will this work and which varietes?
Answers:
My favorite places to research the different types of dwarf fruit trees are actually online nurseries. The ones I've used and liked are:
www.starkbros.com
www.raintreenursery.com
www.arborday.org
There are others, and of course you could ask questions at a local nursery. Not sure what zone you're in, but you shouldn't have trouble finding varieties that will work, esp with a south-facing yard. Keep in mind there are semi-dwarf trees and dwarf trees. Some trees cannot be fully dwarfed, or don't get as small no matter what (like pears). Some varieties, like peaches, come in genetic dwarfs, which are able to be kept even smaller. Those would be your best bets for keeping in pots. Also keep in mind to buy self-pollinating varieties, unless you plan on buying compatible fruits in pairs for pollination. Don't forget other neat options besides trees, like various berry bushes, grape vines, etc.
Probably the most important factor is how cold it gets in the winter in your location.
Some fruit, like lemons, limes and oranges, cannot take much cold. They do not like it much below freezing.
On the other hand, fruits like apricots, cherries, apples, etc. REQUIRE a certain number of hours below 45 degrees in the winter. Chill hours needed can range from 200 to 900 hours. A local nurseryman can tell you how many Chill Hours you can expect for your location. Then you can select varieties with either Low or High Chill requirements.
Good Luck!!
I can't tell you which variety it is as I've forgotten(lol) but I have one in my garden in a patio tub and it has been there for nearly 3 years now and fruited for the first time last year. This year there's going to be plenty of fruit on it too by the look of it. I live in South Cambridgeshire and get the sun in the garden all day long. I have never used any special fertilisers or anything, just planted it and moved it only once since then and it's grown really well.
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