Choose the right fruits and you can look forward to some juicy rich pickings
When it comes to growing fruit in containers, it’s all about picking the right variety. Overall size has to be considered, as does the issue of pollinating partners. Some fruit crops need a partner of a different variety for effective pollination and you may not have room on the patio for two potted plants, so look for self-fertile varieties.
Then there’s the thorny issue of, well, thorns! The fewer the better if you’re likely to have children running around, and it does make harvesting less risky if you don’t have to worry about getting spiked.
Also consider rootstock. With fruit trees, the right rootstock can be more important than the right variety, as most rootstocks control the vigour and eventual size of the tree. Some fruits, including pears and plums, are not naturally suited to container growing, though if you hunt around you will find dwarf varieties that fit the bill.
So, check catalogues and websites for just the right variety of fruit to grow in containers – most suppliers provide plenty of information to help you choose. But here are a few options to get you started…
APPLES
Apple varieties are grafted to a root that controls the size of the mature tree. Most are partnered with a rootstock called MM106, but this will produce a tree too large for a pot. So choose one from a specialist nursery that’s grafted on to M27, which will eventually produce a tree about 1.5–2m high, perhaps a little less. And if you’re only growing one or two trees, pick varieties that are self-fertile so don’t need a pollinator. ‘Queen Cox’ is a self-fertile version of Britain’s favourite apple, while ‘Scrumptious’ is also self-fertile, very reliable and full of flavour.
TIP: Think carefully about where you site your potted apple tree – it will soon be too heavy to move!
BLACKBERRIES
We all know how huge blackberries can grow – but growing blackberries in a pot? In a hanging basket? Well, yes.
There are now modern varieties that are very compact, so are ideal in a hanging basket or tub, and have the bonuses of both being thorn-free and tasting superb. ‘Black Cascade’ is thornless and the one for hanging baskets, while ‘Reuben’ suits a large container and is only thorny on the young soft shoots. TIP: Prune by cutting back hard in spring for acrop in summer and autumn.
CHERRIES
Look for sweet varieties to eat straight from the tree and for plants grafted on to the Gisela 5 (G5) rootstock, which will stop you growing a monster! All produce
