Fruit & Berry Plants

Is It Better to Grow Fruit from Plants or Seeds?

The beauty of growing your own fruit is that you can choose the plants and the gardening approach that works best for you. If you’re hoping to harvest fruit as soon as possible, however, it’s generally best to start with fruit and berry plants versus fruit seeds. Starting with a bare root plant or small shrub may yield higher-quality fruit as well.

What’s the Best Time to Plant Fruit and Berries?

The best time to plant berries and fruit plants is in the late winter or early spring, depending on the variety and the climate. It’s important that your plants are still dormant when they go into the ground—it gives them time to establish a strong root system before the growing season.

If you’re starting with bare-root fruit or berry bushes, fall can be a good time for planting as well. It gives your plants a head-start on rooting before the ground freezes in winter. Some fast-growing varieties like strawberries can be planted in spring as soon as the soil is workable.

How Much Sunlight Do Fruit and Berry Plants Need?

Most fruit and berry plants require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to produce healthy fruit. Full sun is particularly important for blueberries, strawberries, and other common berries. When choosing the location for your fruit plants, aim for a sunny location that gets morning sun rather than afternoon sun.

Grapes and many fruit trees also require full sun, though some like pears and plums are tolerant of partial sun in hotter climates. Other fruit plants that tolerate partial shade include currants, gooseberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Can I Grow Fruit and Berry Plants in Containers?

Yes, many small fruit and berry plants can be grown in containers, either indoors or outdoors. It’s important to choose a compact variety and provide a suitably sized container. Keep in mind that plants in pots may need more frequent watering than fruit planted in the ground, but drainage is still important.

Some of the best fruit plants to grow in containers include:

• Citrus trees
• Figs
• Blueberries
• Peaches
• Passion fruit
• Strawberries
• Dwarf grapes

How Long Does It Take for Fruit and Berry Plants to Start Producing?

While some fruit and berry plants start producing fruit in their first year, initial harvests may be small. Strawberries can produce fruit just a few weeks after planting while raspberries and blackberries often produce a small crop within the first year. Many varieties, like blueberries and black currants, achieve their strongest yield 3 to 4 years after planting.

Want to get a jump-start on your homegrown fruit harvest? Start with bare-root fruit plants or small berry shrubs. Shop the full collection of fruit plants on Park Seed.