If you dream of growing your own fruit, but do not have space in your garden for a full-length tree, think about planting an ultra dwarf fruit tree. These trees grow on particular root inventory which keeps the plant from getting bigger compared to 3 to 6 feet tall. Ultra dwarf trees are typically grown in containers, which makes them an excellent selection for patio gardens and handy to move into a sheltered location to protect them from harsh weather. The most important concern with ultra dwarf trees is choosing which kind of fruit to grow.
Apples
Familiar types of apples such as Fuji and Red Delicious can be increased on ultra dwarf rootstock. For something a bit different, it is possible to try apples such as Anna, Golden Dorsett or Beverly Hills. But apple trees aren’t self-fertile, so you’re going to need to buy two trees if you’d like your plant to bear fruit. It’s ideal to choose two different varieties for improved pollination. The ultra dwarf apple Ein Shemer is self-fertile, but creates more fruit in case you have another variety for pollination.
Pears
The taste of a store-bought pear can’t compare with the hot flavor of a freshly picked one. You can choose from European pears such as Bartlett, d’Anjou and Kieffer or sharp Asian pears. Even though blacks are self-fertile, your tree will produce more fruit should you buy two trees of different kinds. But Asian pears and European pears do not cross-pollinate nicely, so choose both Asian pear trees or two European trees, none of each.
Stone Fruit
If you like cherries, plums, peaches and other stone fruits, but hate the prices at the grocery shop, you’ll be happy to know you are able to grow all these fruits as ultra dwarf trees. Cherry varieties incorporate the self-fertile Bing cherry which does not require another tree for pollination. Other self-fertile stone fruits for sale as ultra dwarf trees comprise peaches, nectarines and apricots. Plums typically require two trees for pollination. Although trees may state they are self-fertile, remember that fruit production will be higher when there’s cross-pollination between two varieties of the same fruit tree.
Ultra Dwarf Care
Ultra dwarf trees must be planted in a container that is 18 inches in diameter or 18 inches square. The container must have drainage holes to avoid root rot from soggy soil. Place your tree in which it can receive at least 6 hours of sun each day and where it’ll be protected from heavy winds. Water your trees deeply whenever the top two inches of soil feel dry and feed the trees with a balanced fertilizer once per month during the growing season. You can control your trees’ contour and stature by fortifying either in the winter or in early spring.