I am going out on a limb here (pun intended) predicting that when you are looking for fast growing fruit trees, perhaps you are actually looking for trees that will bear fruit quickly.
For this reason I have put together a list of some of the fastest bearing fruit trees available.
Some are naturally fast growers from seedling and quickly reach their fruiting stage, others bear fruit quickly because they are grafted onto a rootstock.
Quick Bearing Fruit Trees For a Faster Harvest
1. Mulberry
For gardeners looking to savor sweet, homegrown berries without the long wait, mulberry trees are a fantastic choice.
Plant a tree, and in no time, you’ll be harvesting a generous supply of juicy berries thanks to varieties like Illinois Everbearing, Dwarf Everbearing, White Mulberry, and Red Mulberry.
These trees are not just popular for their quick fruit production but also for their adaptability to various climates across the U.S., making them a gardener’s dream.
With their fast growth and high yield, you won’t need to rely on another tree for pollination since they’re typically self-fertile, though having a few more around can give you an even bigger harvest.
Whether you’re planting them in the ground or growing them in a container, these versatile mulberry trees are your ticket to enjoying fresh berries right from your garden in no time.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-10 (Varies slightly depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 6-40 ft tall, 6-35 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year to 2-3 years (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Illinois Everbearing, Dwarf Everbearing, White Mulberry, Red Mulberry
Available at: Nature Hills & Fast-Growing-Trees
2. Apple
If you want an apple a day, you won’t have to wait too long! Apple trees are available in a huge number of varieties and cultivars, and they can produce fruit in as little as one year from planting!
We have even compiled a list of the fastest-growing and fruit bearing apple trees to make choosing an apple tree easier.
Varieties like Dorsett Golden, Anna, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith are loved for their speedy fruiting, often offering a harvest within the same year they’re planted.
These trees aren’t just fast to fruit, they’re also hardy, thriving in different climates with minimal upkeep.
While most benefit from cross-pollination to maximize their yield, varieties like Golden Delicious and Granny Smith can even produce fruit on their own, making them a convenient choice for any orchard.
Interestingly the apple tree was the most popular food producing tree amongst the 26 homesteaders and preppers we asked.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 (Varies depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 8-20 ft tall, 8-15 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Dorsett Golden, Anna, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious
Available at: Nature Hills & Fast-Growing-Trees
3. Peach
Some peach tree varieties are perfect for those who can’t wait to enjoy homegrown fruit, often producing juicy peaches within the first year after planting.
Varieties like Harvester, Frost, and Early Elberta are especially fast bearers, making them favorites among gardeners keen for an early harvest.
These trees are self-fertile, so you don’t need to worry about planting additional trees for pollination.
Thriving in USDA zones 5-9, they offer delicious peaches with minimal effort, making them a sweet and rewarding choice for any gardener.
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Harvester, Frost, Early Elberta, Contender
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 (Varies depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 8-25 ft tall, 5-25 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (for the fastest bearing varieties)
Available at: Nature Hills & Fast-Growing-Trees
4. Fig
For those keen to enjoy fresh figs sooner rather than later, certain fig tree varieties catch the eye for their speedy fruiting, often producing within the first year of planting.
These self-fertile trees don’t require a pollinator partner and thrive in a wide range of climates, especially in USDA zones 5-10.
Whether planted in the ground or in containers, these fig trees offer both ornamental beauty and a generous yield, making them a delightful addition to any gardeners yard.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5-10 (Varies depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 4-30 ft tall, 3-30 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Chicago Hardy, Brown Turkey, LSU Purple, Little Miss Figgy, Celeste, Black Mission, Violette de Bordeaux, Italian Honey
Available at: Nature Hills & Fast-Growing-Trees
5. Cherry
If you’re looking for cherry trees that reward you with fruit quickly, certain varieties are known for producing within the first year of planting.
Varieties like Bing, North Star, and Rainier are especially valued for their early yields and mouthwatering cherries, making them perfect for gardeners keen for a fast harvest.
It’s not just their delicious fruit, these trees often bring ornamental beauty to your garden with their stunning spring blossoms.
While most thrive in USDA zones 4-8, some, like the Barbados cherry, are well-suited to warmer climates, offering versatility and charm to any landscape.
- USDA Growing Zones: 2-11 (Varies depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 5-20 ft tall, 5-15 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Bing, North Star, Rainier, Montmorency, Black Tartarian, Stella, Lapins, Barbados Acerola
Available at: Nature Hills & Fast-Growing-Trees
6. Lemon
If you are like me and very keen to enjoy homegrown lemons without the wait, several lemon tree varieties spring to mind for their ability to produce fruit quickly, often within the first year of planting.
Varieties like Meyer, Variegated Pink Eureka, and Harvey are popular for their early fruiting and adaptability, making them perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.
These self-fertile trees don’t need a pollinator companion and thrive in a variety of USDA zones, especially when grown in containers, offering both convenience and a bountiful harvest.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8-11 outdoors, 4-11 patio (Varies slightly depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 8-20 ft tall, 4-10 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Meyer, Eureka, Variegated Pink Eureka, Harvey
Available at: Nature Hills & Fast-Growing-Trees
7. Apricot
If you are a gardener looking for a fast apricot harvest you will find several tree varieties that excel in fast fruit production, often bearing fruit within the first year of planting.
Varieties like Moorpark, Blenheim, and Chinese apricots are particularly loved for their quick fruiting and rich flavors, making them a great option for those who want an early yield.
These self-fertile trees don’t require another tree for pollination, but planting multiple trees can significantly boost the harvest.
Thriving in various USDA zones, specific varieties like Gold Kist and Puget Gold are well-suited for both cooler and warmer climates, offering versatility and a delicious reward.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-10 (Varies depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 10-20 ft tall, 5-20 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Moorpark, Blenheim, Chinese, Gold Kist, Puget Gold
Available at: Nature Hills & Fast-Growing-Trees
8. Avocado
For those of us craving a speedy avocado harvest, certain tree varieties come to mind for their early fruit production, often yielding within the first year or shortly thereafter.
Varieties like Cold Hardy, Hass, and Mexicola are favored for their fast growth and adaptability, making them perfect for those seeking a rewarding yield in various climates.
These self-fertile trees don’t need a second tree for pollination, but having multiple varieties can boost your harvest.
Thriving across a broad range of USDA zones, they’re equally suited for in-ground or container gardening, offering flexibility and a bountiful supply of delicious avocados.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8-11 outdoors, 4-11 patio (Varies slightly depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 8-30 ft tall, 5-20 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Cold Hardy, Hass, Condo, Catalina, Mexicola, Brogdon, Reed
Available at: Nature Hills & Fast-Growing-Trees
9. Papaya
Craving a quick harvest of tropical fruit? Papaya trees are known for their rapid growth, often bearing fruit within the first year after planting.
Varieties like Red Lady, Solo, Mexican Red, and Hawaiian Sunrise are loved for their sweet flavors and ability to thrive in warm climates.
These trees are typically self-fertile, so they don’t require a companion for pollination, though planting multiple trees can boost your yield.
Best suited for USDA zones 9-11, they can also be grown in containers in cooler areas, bringing a slice of the tropics to your garden.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (Can be grown in containers in cooler zones)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 6-30 ft tall, 5-10 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Red Lady, Solo, Mexican Red, Hawaiian Sunrise
10. Blueberries
Searching for a blueberry bush that delivers both beauty and a quick harvest?
Several varieties, like Legacy, Pink Lemonade, and Premier, are reknowned for their rapid growth and often bear fruit within the first year of planting.
These popular varieties are not only high-yielding but also visually appealing, making them a great choice for gardeners seeking both productivity and aesthetic value.
Although these bushes are self-fertile, planting multiple varieties can boost your yield and extend the harvest period.
Thriving across a wide range of USDA zones, they are well-suited for both in-ground and container gardening.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3-11 (Varies depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 1-15 ft tall, 1-10 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Legacy, Pink Lemonade, Premier, Brightwell, Sweetheart, Climax, Aurora, Top Hat, Toro, Tifblue, Powderblue
11. Panama Berry
Interested in trying a tropical treat that grows fast? The Panama Berry, also known as the Jamaican Cherry or Strawberry Tree, is a speedy grower that often bears fruit within the first year of planting.
This small to medium, evergreen tree is loved for its sweet, cherry-like fruits, perfect for enjoying fresh or incorporating into desserts and beverages.
Beyond its delicious yield, the Panama Berry adds ornamental value to any garden, with its delicate white flowers and lush green foliage, making it both a beautiful and productive choice for your landscape.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (Can be grown in containers in cooler zones)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 15-40 ft tall, 15-30 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1st year (under ideal conditions)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Muntingia calabura (commonly known as Panama Berry, Jamaican Cherry, or Strawberry Tree)
12. Pear
If you’re longing to enjoy fresh, homegrown pears without the long wait, certain pear tree varieties have got you covered.
Imagine planting a tree and biting into your own juicy pear within just a year or two, that’s the reality after planting Shinseiki or Shinko Asian pears.
For a taste of tradition, the Bartlett, Bosc, and Kieffer pears are classics that don’t keep you waiting, often rewarding your patience within their first year.
These speedy growers aren’t just about quick results, they grow well in a variety of climates, from the crisp air of zone 4 to the warmer embrace of zone 9, making them a perfect choice for any garden.
So, whether you’re in it for the flavor, the versatility, or simply the joy of watching your garden flourish, these pear trees are your fast track to sweet success.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 (Varies slightly depending on the variety)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 12-25 ft tall, 6-20 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1-3 years (for the fastest bearing varieties)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Shinseiki Asian, Shinko Asian, Bartlett, Bosc, Kieffer
13. Guava
Looking for a fruit tree that offers both quick rewards and delicious tropical flavor?
Guava trees are an excellent choice, known for their very fast growth and early fruiting.
These small to medium-sized evergreens produce fruit with a unique, aromatic flavor, perfect for enjoying fresh, in juices, jams, or desserts.
Adaptable and thriving in warm climates, guava trees are a popular pick in tropical and subtropical regions, but they can also be grown in containers for those in cooler areas, making them a versatile and tasty addition to your garden.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (Can be grown in containers in cooler zones)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 10-20 ft tall, 10-15 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1-2 years (under ideal conditions)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Red Malaysian, White Tropical, Pineapple Guava, Ruby Supreme, Mexican Cream
14. Carambola (Star Fruit)
Carambola, also known as Starfruit, is a remarkable tropical tree famed for its super fast growth and early fruiting ability, often producing its unique, star-shaped fruit within just a year or two after planting.
The visually striking, crisp, sweet-tart fruit makes this tree an eye-catcher in any garden. Relatively small in size, Carambola trees are great for home gardens and thrive in warm, tropical climates.
For those in cooler regions, they can be grown in containers and moved indoors during colder months, offering both beauty and versatility.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9-11 (Can be grown in containers in cooler zones)
- Mature Tree Size: Typically 15-30 ft tall, 15-20 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 1-2 years (under ideal conditions)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Arkin, Golden Star, Fwang Tung, Kari, Sri Kembangan, Hart
15. Banana
Surprisingly, banana plants, often mistaken for trees, are actually giant herbaceous plants and rank among the fastest-growing fruit-bearing species.
Under optimal conditions, certain varieties can produce bananas within their first year. Known for their large, lush leaves and iconic sweet fruit, these plants are a favorite in tropical and subtropical gardens.
Despite their tree-like appearance, the “trunks” of banana plants are composed of tightly packed leaf bases, setting them apart as truly unique in the world of fruiting plants.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8-11 (Can be grown in containers in cooler zones)
- Mature Plant Size: Typically 6-25 ft tall, 5-15 ft wide
- Time to Bear First Fruit: 9-18 months (under ideal conditions)
- Fast Bearing Varieties: Dwarf Cavendish, Lady Finger, Red Banana, Ice Cream (Blue Java), Gros Michel
How to Select & Plant Fast Growing Fruit Trees
A list of trees is no good if you don’t know how to use it. While the trees listed above are all considered to be fast growers and productive fruiters, like all trees, they each have their own requirements.
And there are some pro tips to consider before you start planting.
1. Seedling vs. Grafted
Fruit trees that you buy from a nursery or garden center will be grafted. This means that a branch of the chosen tree was joined with the rootstock of another, related tree. Grafting is a way of reproducing trees that cannot be grown from seed.
For example, if you plant an apple seed, you might get a tree bearing a similar type of apple that you planted, but equally you might get more of a wild, crab apple type of apple or something else entirely.
And the next generation — apple trees planted from the seeds of your seed-grown tree — will be nothing like your original apple. So growers use grafting to ensure that they get the fruit they want.
Other trees, like peach and apricot, can be grown from seed, but grafts are still used to preserve the characteristics of certain cultivars: fruit quality, disease resistance, flower color.
This makes fruit trees more expensive to buy than, say, oak or maple seedlings, but it also means that you can be assured of fruit in a relatively short space of time. Grafted trees have a head start, so it won’t be long till they produce fruit after you plant them.
Rootstocks
After you plant a grafted tree, you might notice shoots coming up from the base of the tree, just below the surface of the soil.
It’s usually best to snip these off neatly with a clean pair of secateurs, as they’re growing from the rootstock rather than from the scion (grafted portion).
Sometimes these shoots are allowed to grow up to make, for example, a tree with some red and some green leaves, but for fruit production, it’s best to make sure that all of the tree’s energy goes into the top portion.
And in general, it’s worth knowing that certain rootstocks provide for faster growth than others.
It all starts getting a bit complicated here, but, for example, the MM106 semi-dwarfing rootstock for apple trees is associated with faster scion growth than some others. If you really want to get serious about it, go for it!
And Seeds
Buying grafted trees is the quickest way to a fruit harvest, but if you want to try growing fruit trees from seed, and you have the space to accommodate the trees once they’re grown, please do!
It’s a wonderful project and an amazing thing to watch your seedlings mature.
Spend a little time researching the specific conditions your seed requires to germinate and thrive, and you can try growing a wide variety of fruit.
Just bear in mind that it’ll probably be 8-10 years or more till the trees bear fruit. And depending on the type of fruit, you might not get quite what you’re expecting.
2. Where to Plant Fruit Trees
I’ve already touched upon hardiness zones and soil types, but it’s important to remember that there’s no point planting a tree somewhere it won’t be happy growing.
Or where you won’t be happy with it growing! You can look at our article on How to Pick a Tree for Your Yard for more information.
3. Check Your Chill Hours
Chill hours, as mentioned in the sections on apple and peach, can be critical in determining whether or not your chosen tree will produce fruit.
Do your research and make sure you know that your climate zone, and your local weather, are suitable not only for your tree to grow but for it to flourish.
4. Think About the Bees & Pollinators
They need our help! Buy beyond that, all fruit trees have pollination requirements.
Some are self-fertile and don’t need another tree nearby. But others, like many varieties of apple, peach, and cherry, need to be planted near a suitable companion for cross-pollination.
You can find cross-pollination charts online; good examples can be seen here and here. Cross-pollinators rely on bees so are best planted at 100 feet apart or less: probably not an issue in the average garden.
5. Think About the Bugs & Pests
Ask around and see what pests are the biggest problems in your area. Look for trees that have a natural resistance to those pests, and learn how best to situate them for maximum protection.
The healthier your trees are, the more able they’ll be to stand up for themselves and fight off attacks from pests or diseases.
6. Plant Wisely, Dig Deep
Learn the best tree planting methods for your chosen fruit tree before you buy it: how deep it wants to be planted, how much water it needs once it’s in the ground, whether it needs any protection from animals or elements in its early days.
It’s always better to be prepared, for your sake and the tree’s; it will save you both stress and problems later on.
7. What Fruit Do You Want?
Fruit, I know. But do you want fruit all year round? Fruit just in the summer? Are you also wanting a tree that flowers? Fig trees just produce figs — no flowers at all — so if you’re after aesthetic appeal as well as edible value, they’re probably not the trees for you.
Fruit trees can get big, very big. If you want fruit that you can pick easily without needing a ladder, or you don’t want fruit dropping on the ground, consider a dwarf tree.
Specifically cultivated to be smaller and more compact, dwarf fruit trees can provide excellent-quality produce without taking up too much space.
Some of them are also quite happy to grow in containers, so if space is an issue, or you’re not completely settled where you’re living, they can be a great option.
I’ve got several trees in containers that have traveled with me as I’ve moved through four countries!
Why Plant Fast Growing Fruit Trees?
Fruit trees are a beautiful and productive addition to any garden. An abundant fruit harvest can save your household a significant amount of money too.
Having a fruit tree — or several fruit trees — in your garden can attract pollinators and beneficial insects that will not only help your trees, but will improve the overall health of your garden too.
The fast-growing fruit trees are a great investment, given that you won’t have too much time to wait before they start fruiting.
While you can often find quality trees online in a wide variety of cultivars, check your local nursery, garden center, or grower for local varieties. Find out which grow best in your area and consider planting trees that are more native to your area.
It’s also worth seeking out heritage varieties. Their fruit often tastes much better — compare the taste of Cox’s Orange Pippin to a Red Delicious if you ever have the chance — and the ecological important of preserving diverse varieties of trees and plants can’t be overstated.
We wish you happy searching, happy planting, and happy eating. Whether it’s for fresh fruit, jams and jellies, pie, or dried snacks, a home-grown fruit tree is the perfect addition to any size garden.
Other Fast Growing Trees
I hope you enjoyed learning about these fast bearing fruit trees!
If you’re on the lookout for more ways to green up your space, check out our other articles on small fast-growing trees, fast-growing shade trees, and the overall fastest growing trees to plant in your garden.
