About Dwarf Fruit Trees

Dwarf fruit trees are created by grafting rootstock of another tree variety between the crown and the roots of the desired tree to reduce the size of the full-grown tree. These small fruit trees work well for container gardening as well as for small-scale backyard orchards.

Size

Dwarf fruit trees are grafted to produce trees that grow between 3 and 6 feet in total height.

Types

Apple, lemon, orange, peach, pear, plum, nectarine, apricot and cherry are all available as dwarf fruit trees.

Time Frame

Dwarf fruit trees begin to bear fruit within three to five years, while their standard counterparts can take between five and eight years to bear fruit.

Requirements

All dwarf fruit trees require full sunlight and regular pruning to reach their full potential. Pruning requirements vary based on the individual tree's needs as well as fruit type and size.

Misconceptions

Dwarf fruit trees, though smaller than standard fruit trees, still produce full-sized fruit.

References

• Longwood Gardens: Dwarf Fruit Trees
• Fruit Trees
• Dwarf Fruit Trees -- A Planting Guide for Fruit Trees in Containers

Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sevilay