Fast-Growing Fruit Trees You Can Grow Indoors Or In The Garden

Growing fruit trees in your yard doesn't have to mean waiting five years for your first harvest. Some fruit trees grow surprisingly fast and can produce fruit in just two to three seasons. What's better is that many of them grow year-round indoors or in the garden, especially if you choose compact, container-friendly varieties that don't need a ton of space to thrive. Dwarf apple trees, persimmons, citrus, olives, peaches, and mandarins are great examples. 

They stay manageable in size — some even grow well in pots — and can brighten up a sunny corner with glossy leaves, fragrant blooms, and juicy fruit. While most trees will still need bright, direct light and a warm spot, growing them in containers makes it easier to control their environment and move them indoors during colder months. We've rounded up nine fast-growing and low-maintenance fruit trees that are ideal for patios, balconies, and even sunny windowsills, so you can enjoy homegrown flavor without the long wait.

A lemon tree is a rewarding, fast-growing fruit tree you can grow indoors or outside. In the garden, it flourishes in full sun and well-draining soil, especially in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. Indoors, dwarf varieties like the 'Improved Meyer' lemon adapt well to containers and can start producing fruit in just two to three years. To keep container-grown trees healthy, if you're growing your lemon tree in a pot, it will need a roomier home as it grows. Younger trees typically need repotting about every two years, while older ones can go three to four years. 

Mandarin trees are a great pick if you want sweet, snackable citrus without waiting a decade. These fast-growing fruit trees can thrive both outdoors in zones 9 to 11 and indoors in containers. With enough sunlight, mandarins can start producing fruit within 2 to 6 years. Indoors, place them near a sunny window or supplement with a grow light. Keep in mind that you will have to use fast-draining soil and let it dry between waterings, as wet roots can cause rot and kill the plant. Despite prefering dry roots, they love high humidity!

The dwarf pomegranate (Punica granatum 'Nana') is a compact, fast-growing fruit tree that's perfect for containers and small gardens. It thrives in zones 7 to 11 outdoors, but also makes an excellent indoor plant when given plenty of bright, direct light. While the fruits are smaller and more ornamental than standard pomegranates, they're still edible and often appear after three years. The tree also produces vibrant orange-red flowers that add bold color indoors. Its small size — only 2 to 4 feet tall – and drought-hardy nature make it a favorite for beginners looking to grow fruit.

Peach trees grow surprisingly fast, with some varieties producing fruit as early as two to four years after planting. In zones 4 to 9, they thrive outdoors in full sun and well-draining soil. Dwarf cultivars  like 'Flory' or 'Pix Zee' also do well in containers, making them suitable for indoor growing if placed in a bright spot. When fruit begins to form, thin it to a single fruit per bunch to encourage better growth. After harvesting, prune in late summer by removing old stems and tying in fresh shoots for next year's crop.

Dwarf apple trees are a smart choice for small gardens, patios, balconies, or even indoors if you have enough space — they can get 6 to 10 feet tall. But these trees usually start producing fruit in two to four years, making them a relatively quick option for home growers. But, they need regular care to stay healthy. Dwarf apple trees grow best in full sun and are suited for zones 3 through 8. If you're planting in a container, make sure to choose a true dwarf variety that won't outgrow the pot.

Mexican key lime trees are perfect if you want fresh, tangy limes right at home. Outdoors, they thrive in zones 9 to 11, but dwarf varieties grow beautifully indoors in containers too with some carful pruning. Just give them 8 to 10 hours of sunlight daily, by a bright window or under a grow light, and keep them warm. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and use slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Young key lime trees need steady moisture and should be watered deeply twice a week during their first couple of years.

Avocado trees should be planted in spring, in a sunny, wind-protected spot with rich, well-draining soil. This evergreen fruit tree thrives in zones 9 to 11 outdoors, while smaller varieties like 'Day' can grow indoors with enough light. Keep the soil slightly acidic, and water at the root level. Young trees need more water, while mature ones need about two inches per week. Just be careful not to jostle the roots during planting. If you are planting it indoors, use a terracotta pot with drainage and add perlite or bark for airflow. 

Dwarf persimmons are sweet, easy-to-grow fruit trees that thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. They grow well in zones 7 to 10, and dwarf varieties (such as 'Fuyu') can be kept in large containers for patios or small spaces. Water young trees weekly until established, then only during dry spells. Repot container-grown trees every two to three years with fresh soil. 'Fuyu' fruits ripen in fall and can be eaten while still firm.

If you've got a sunny spot and some patience, olive trees are a joy to grow. Outdoors, they love full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. Once they're settled, they barely need any care. Indoors, choose a dwarf type like 'Little Ollie' and keep it by a south-facing window or under a grow light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and feed every month during spring and summer. Gently prune without sacrificing blooms. Don't stress if they skip a year – it's totally normal for olives to take it slow.