Fruit (Dwarf Tree) Growing Guide

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Average, well drained soil. Match your choice of tree fruits to local climate and soil conditions.

Position

Sun or partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

All are winter hardy, but cold tolerance and chilling requirements vary with species. Choose regionally-adapted tree fruits, for example cherries in the north or peaches in the south.

Feeding

In early spring, mulch over root zone with 1 to 2 inches of good compost. Mulch with grass clippings or straw.

Spacing

Single Plants: 9' 10" (3.00m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 9' 10" (3.00m) with 9' 10" (3.00m) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Purchase dormant plants and set them out in early spring. Water thoroughly and mulch after planting new fruits.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Obtain local expertise before choosing which fruits to grow. University-based breeding programs have developed many great-tasting, disease-resistant varieties. Thin out fruit four weeks after the tree has blossomed and prune the tree in late fall. You can add a variety of this tree to label what it is and specify spacing or planting times.

Harvesting

Let experience be your teacher -- taste fruits often as they approach ripeness. Bumper crops can be frozen, dried, or made into jams and jellies.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

< Back to All Plants

Pests which Affect Fruit (Dwarf Tree)

Aphids (General)

Earwig

Plum Curculio

Slug

Snail