Yes, many fruit trees can be grown in pots, the key is choosing a compact variety, using a large container and keeping up with watering and feeding.

Best fruit trees for pots

Selected dwarf fruit tree varieties can also suit containers, including:

• Apples: Autento™, Blush Babe™, Little Rascal™, Mischief™, Scallywag™ and Teacher’s Pet™
• Apricot: Aprigold
• Cherry: Griotella™
• Nectarines: Flavourzee, Garden Delight and Nectar Babe
• Peaches: Bonanza, Garden Lady, Honey Babe, Pixzee and Rose Chiffon
• Pear: Garden Belle®
• Feijoa: Bambina™
• Meyer lemons, limes and compact blueberries also grow well in containers.

Note: Stock varies by season and garden centre, so check the plant label and choose varieties suited to your local climate.

What to know about apples and stone fruit

• Standard apples, apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums usually have vigorous root systems and are better suited to growing in the ground. In pots, they can become root-bound quickly, especially if the container is too small or watering is irregular.
• True dwarf varieties are a better option for renters, small gardens, decks and patios. They still need a decent-sized pot, a sunny sheltered position, good drainage and regular care through the growing season. 
• Plums can be trickier in containers, so ask your local garden centre for compact or dwarf options rather than choosing a standard plum tree.

Choosing the right pot and mix

Choose the largest pot or container you can comfortably manage, especially if you may need to move it later. Make sure it has plenty of drainage holes and raise the pot slightly on pot feet if needed so water can drain freely.

• Use a fresh, free-draining growing mix at planting time, such as Daltons Premium Potting Mix. 
• For very large planter boxes, use Garden Time™ Enriched Garden Mix. Avoid using garden soil in pots, as it can become heavy, compacted and poorly drained.

Watering, feeding and fruiting

Fruit trees in pots rely on you for water and nutrients, so regular care makes a big difference. 

• Water consistently, especially through dry spells and when fruit is forming.
• Feed during the growing season with Daltons Premium Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser 500g, following the directions on the pack. 
• A layer of Daltons Mulch & Feed also helps protect roots and reduce moisture loss, but keep it clear of the trunk.

Buying fruit trees in New Zealand

From winter onwards, garden centres around New Zealand usually begin receiving new-season fruit trees from growers. This is a good time to ask about compact, dwarf or patio fruit varieties suited to pots.

Also ask whether the variety is self-fertile. Some fruit trees will crop on their own, while others produce better when planted near a compatible pollinator.

For more variety advice, see our  Our Growing Fruit Trees Guide and Growing Strawberries Guide, have more advice on varieties to look for.