Best fruits to grow in pots in India

You don’t need a lot of space to grow nutritious fruits at home. From guavas to pomegranates, a diversity of fruit plants thrive beautifully in containers. With careful selection and regular care, you can grow your own tasty fruits to consume. In addition, these plants also add beautiful flowers and foliage to your outdoor living spaces.

Things to Consider Before You Start Planting

Container Size

The size of the containers is important to ensure enough room for plants to develop a healthy root system.

Water Requirements

We also need to ensure adequate water availability, as most fruit plants require a large amount of water.

Soil-less Media

Being bigger, fruit containers can become very heavy, so it is a good idea to use soil-less media in your containers as these are lightweight and provide excellent drainage.

Popular Fruit Plants to Grow in Containers

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are popular for their nutritional properties and are high in antioxidants and vitamins. Their popularity has led to the production of several dwarf varieties, but only some of these bear tasty fruits. For container production, look for varieties that balance compact size and edible fruits. Pomegranate is also easy to grow and care for and makes an attractive addition to any home garden. Pomegranates thrive in most climates and prefer a sunny spot, and well-drained soil.

Guava

Guava is easy to grow and does not require much attention. It is a hardy plant and survives in any climate, and the plant will bear fruit within a few months. Guava thrives on a range of soils, but prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5 and 7. Plant the tree using a mix of potting soil and organic compost. Choose a container that is at least 18 to 24 inches across and the same depth. Make sure the pot has appropriate drainage holes.

Mango

Yes, it is possible to cultivate mango trees in containers. In fact, they often flourish in containers, particularly the dwarf variety. Mangoes are native to India, so they prefer mild climates. Mangoes need excellent drainage, so add a layer of broken pottery to the bottom of the pot and then a layer of crushed gravel. A lightweight, yet highly nutritive, potting media is ideal for a container-grown mango tree.

Plum

Plums are an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. They can be grown in pots as long as they have adequate drainage. Before planting, make sure you use a good potting mix and manure. Firm down the soil around your newly planted tree in the pot and water it thoroughly to help its roots settle down beautifully. Mulch the top of the soil in the pot to conserve moisture and make it easy to water during the summer. You can grow Plums from seed or purchase a young tree from a nursery.

Apricot

Apricots are delicious and nutritious fruits that can be grown in pots. Selecting a dwarf or semi-dwarf apricot variety suitable for India is essential. They are genetically engineered to grow to a manageable size. These compact trees will fit comfortably within your urban space constraints. For potting apricot trees, selecting a blend of potting media that trends towards neutral to slightly alkaline pH does wonders. Incorporating organic matter into your mix will feed the plant better and improve the soil structure and nutrient retention.

Kiwi

Kiwi is an excellent fruit that can be grown in pots in India, which is usually the preferred alternative when ground conditions are not ideal. Container-grown plants will exhibit very quick growth if carefully watered and fertilized on a regular basis. The Kiwi plant is a small, evergreen vine that produces delicious, nutritious fruits. Kiwis are rich in vitamins C and E and contain potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Do not use soil from your garden in the pot, instead use a potting soil mix with some added compost. For larger pots use a potting mix that has larger particles in addition to the smaller.

Lemon

Lemons can be grown in pots in India with relative ease. The requirements are fairly similar to those for growing lemon trees outdoors. The lemon plants require proper drainage, so make sure to use a good potting media and ensure the pot has drainage holes. They will also require continuous and frequent watering. If the container in which the lemon tree is growing dries out, the lemon tree’s leaves fall off. Lemon trees need full sun to thrive, so place your pot in a sunny spot. Fertilizer is also essential for developing a healthy lemon tree in a pot. Use a slow-release fertilizer to ensure that your lemon tree receives constant nutrients.