The Fast-Growing Fruit Tree That Happily Thrives In Containers In Small Spaces

Growing your own produce is an exciting and incredibly rewarding experience. However, many of us aren't lucky enough to have big gardens where we can plant and grow to our hearts' content. Thankfully, having a small space does not mean you have to forgo your homestead dreams! There are many fruits and veggies you can grow with limited space, and this even includes trees. If you are looking for a fast-growing fruit tree that can live in containers, the Greensleeves (Malus domestica) apple tree may be perfect for you. This tree can happily survive and thrive in a container, with its maximum height being around 6 to 11 feet tall. 

The Greensleeves apple tree is a hardy addition to any container garden and usually produces fruit within two years of planting. They bloom in the summertime and produce apples in September and October. It can reach its full height after five years of growth, unlike standard apple trees that can take up to eight years to be big enough to bear fruit. 

The Greensleeves tree is relatively frost-resistant compared to other varieties and is not as susceptible to common apple tree pests. It is also a self-fertile tree, which means that you don't need to plant more than one in your garden. However, having a pair of them usually produces more fruit.

If you have purchased a Greensleeves tree sapling, plant it in a pot that's around 8 to 20 inches. Ensure that you are planting your tree in a pot with proper drainage holes, and place it somewhere it can get a lot of sunshine. It is a good idea to fertilize the tree once or twice a year to help it get all the nutrients it needs to produce healthy fruit. 

Pruning is a vital part of apple tree care, as they may overcrop and produce smaller, less desirable fruit if not kept cut back. In winter, take off any dead or damaged branches and prune again in the summertime. During your summer prune, thin the tree down by taking off about a third of the apples. This helps the tree to produce the best apples while also avoiding issues of fruit weighing down the branches. Make sure you are looking out for any apple tree diseases, such as apple scab and fireblight, throughout the year. This will allow you to nurture your fast-growing fruit tree and enjoy the fruits of your labor every fall.