When it comes to growing fruit trees, some are easier to cultivate from containers rather than seeds. The seeds from fruit cores and pits may not always produce the exact same type of plant as the original tree, leading to differences in appearance and taste. Additionally, trees grown from seeds can take many years to mature and bear fruit.
To ensure a more predictable outcome and a faster harvest, experts recommend choosing a rootstock that has been grafted with the specific fruit variety you desire. By combining desirable traits of the rootstock with a particular fruit cultivar, you can achieve a more consistent and manageable crop. This method also allows for features like height control and disease resistance.
Transform your landscape into a thriving edible garden by growing these popular fruits through grafting or propagation, and save your seed budget for your vegetable patch.
**Apple Trees**
Although planting apple seeds from a core may seem straightforward, it’s not a reliable method. Due to cross-pollination over thousands of years, apple seeds can yield plants that differ from the parent tree. Grafting, either DIY or with pre-grafted plants, is preferred for growing apples. Dwarfing rootstocks can limit the tree’s height to around 10 feet, compared to the potential 30 feet of non-dwarf varieties.
– **Zones:** 3 to 9
– **Size:** 30 feet tall x 30 feet wide
– **Care requirements:** Full sun; well-drained soil
**Cherry Trees**
Similar to apples, cherry trees need cross-pollination for healthy seed formation. Most edible cherry varieties are grafted onto strong rootstocks known for disease resistance and robust growth. Buying a cherry tree rather than growing one from a seed or pit ensures a consistent quality of fruit.
– **Zones:** 5 to 8 for sweet cherries, 4 to 7 for tart cherries
– **Size:** 15 to 30 feet tall x 15 to 30 feet wide
– **Care requirements:** Full sun; well-drained soil
**Pear Trees**
Pears are a fruit that doesn’t produce seeds true to the parent plant, resulting in variations in appearance and taste. Taking cuttings from an existing pear tree is recommended for obtaining the expected quality of fruit.
– **Zones:** 4 to 8
– **Size:** 10 to 30 feet tall x 6 to 12 feet wide
– **Care requirements:** Full sun; well-drained soil
**Banana Trees**
Most commercial bananas, like the cavendish variety, do not contain seeds due to their triple-chromosome nature. Growing bananas from seeds is not feasible, so buying banana plants is the best option for home gardeners.
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“The store offers seedless fruit for a reason,” explains Abdi. “The seeds are very hard and can potentially damage your teeth. Instead of dealing with seeds that may or may not be true to the original plant, it’s best to use vegetative propagation.” To propagate the fruit, plant sections of the plant’s rhizomes and suckers. Your chances of success are highest in warmer climates, as bananas thrive in warmth. Abdi advises, “Bananas are not suited for freezing temperatures. If growing them in a container, move them to a warmer location like a garage during cold weather.”
Zones: 8 and above
Size: 6 to 10 feet tall x 6 to 10 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil
Peach Trees
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Many peach and nectarine varieties have genetic ties to the ancient Prunus persica from China. While the fruits can yield seeds that grow into trees, these new plants won’t be true to the original. Roethling explains, “Modern varieties are grafted onto a dominant rootstock. Grafted peach trees can be easily found in the market, offering a variety of choices.”
Zones: 5 to 9
Size: 25 to 30 feet tall x 25 to 30 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil
Fig Trees
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Figs in warmer regions may have seeds, unlike those grown in cooler areas. The trees require a longer growing season and specific wasp pollination, which is not common in colder climates. Roethling advises, “While seeds can be collected and planted, the resulting fruit won’t be true to the original. It also takes many years for seeds to mature into fruit. Instead, use stem cuttings from an existing fig tree to grow more at home.”
Zones: 7 to 9
Size: 20 to 30 feet tall x 20 to 30 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; rich, well-drained soil
For more information, visit Martha Stewart’s original article.
