spinach, tomatoes and peppers that are doing well so far. I was wondering if there are any types of fruit trees that produce and thrive in a patio container?
A. Yes, there are. I worry a bit about the weight that
this will place on your patio. Make sure it can handle this type of load before
you attempt containers there.
There
are light weight soil mixes that can be used to lessen the weight load on the patio. These
mixes frequently use amendments like perlite that replace heavier components of
the mix.
A good citrus to grow in containers
in our climate is cumquat. It is tolerant of very low
temperatures, as far as citrus goes, and
stays very small. Tender citrus to use would be limes and calamondin, sometimes
called calamansi, but they will need protection from winter cold temperatures.
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| Cumquat fruit about 1 1/2 inch long |
 |
| Citrus espalier or some might call "trellis" |
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| Citrus in an espalier |
If your
patio is protected from wind and cold you might consider kiwi, passionfruit,
giant passionfruit or dragonfruit.
I have a south facing back yard on the edge of Cottonwood canyon (a wash), so I get lots of wind. I have a large container and want to plant a fruit tree. Can you recommend some dwarf varieties that are wind tolerant. Also, on your list of fruit trees that grow well in the desert, did you note dwarf varieties?
ReplyDeleteWhere is Cottonwood Canyon? I know there is one just outside of Salt Lake City.
ReplyDeleteWithout knowing your climate I would just tell you to use a dwarf fruit tree compatible with your climate. So if you are in cold climates look at dwarf apple such as Babe. If you are in a more moderate climate that can grow peaches, use a miniature peach such as Bonanza. Always look for dwarfs or trees on dwarfing rootstocks. You can also trellis these trees on patios to give yourself more room.
ReplyDelete