Skip These 7 Slow Fruit Trees – Plant These 13 Quick Producers Instead

Fruit & Veggies
By Aria Moore

In the realm of gardening, choosing the right fruit trees can make a significant difference in yield time and productivity. Some trees take years before bearing fruit, while others are quick to produce.

This guide provides insight into which slow-growing trees you might consider skipping and offers faster alternatives that will enhance your garden’s productivity sooner.

1. Apple Tree

© Unsplash

Apple trees are cherished in many gardens, but they require patience. These trees often take several years before they bear fruit. They are loved for their variety and the crisp, sweet apples they eventually produce. Their beauty in spring, with blossoms that attract bees, adds to their charm. However, the wait can be lengthy, which might not be ideal for everyone.

While they eventually reward with a bountiful harvest, those seeking quicker results may want to explore faster-growing options that still offer delicious fruit and a touch of beauty to any garden.

2. Cherry Tree

© Arbor Day Foundation

Cherry trees, with their striking blossoms and sweet fruit, are a favorite among many. However, they can take time to establish and start producing cherries. This waiting period, which can span several years, might not suit everyone. Their blossoms in spring are a visual treat, drawing many garden enthusiasts.

Despite the allure, those looking for quicker fruit production might consider other options. Quicker alternatives can provide the same aesthetic appeal and delicious fruit, ensuring that garden space is utilized efficiently and productively from the get-go.

3. Pear Tree

© Planet Natural

Pear trees are known for their sweet, juicy fruit and are a common choice for home orchards. However, they demand patience, as they can take several years to bear fruit. Their blossoms are beautiful, and they offer a green backdrop in any garden setting.

Yet, for those eager for quicker results, the wait might be a downside. Exploring faster-growing fruit trees could be beneficial. These alternatives not only provide delicious fruit but also ensure that the garden remains lively and productive without the extended waiting period common with pear trees.

4. Plum Tree

© OneGreenPlanet

Plum trees are often chosen for their delicious fruit and ornamental appeal. Yet, they may not be the fastest option for those eager to start harvesting. The time they take to bear fruit can be longer than some might prefer. Nonetheless, when they do produce, the juicy plums they offer can be a delightful treat.

For gardeners looking to enjoy fruit more quickly, there are other trees to consider. These alternatives can provide the same deliciousness with a reduced waiting time, making them a smart choice for productive gardens.

5. Fig Tree

© Food Forest Nursery

Fig trees are adored for their unique fruit and the Mediterranean touch they bring to gardens. However, they can take a while before they start yielding figs, which might be a drawback for those wanting quicker production. The fruit, when it does appear, is sweet and highly nutritious.

For those perhaps less patient, there are faster-growing options available. These alternatives not only provide an abundant harvest but also contribute to the garden’s aesthetic appeal, ensuring both beauty and productivity are achieved more swiftly.

6. Apricot Tree

© Home for the Harvest

Apricot trees are renowned for their sweet, orange fruit, making them a popular garden choice. Yet, patience is key, as they often take time to mature and start bearing fruit. Their spring blossoms are beautiful, attracting pollinators and adding charm to any garden.

However, for those seeking more immediate results, there are quicker alternatives. These options can provide not only a quicker harvest but also equally delightful fruit, ensuring that gardens remain both beautiful and bountiful without the prolonged wait typical of apricot trees.

7. Peach Tree

© Fast Growing Trees

Peach trees, with their juicy and sweet fruit, are a summertime favorite. However, they require patience, as they can take several years to establish and start producing. Their blossoms in spring are a sight to behold, with delicate pink flowers adorning the branches.

Despite their eventual reward, for those wanting a quicker return, exploring other options might be worthwhile. Faster-growing alternatives can provide the same delicious taste and visual appeal, ensuring that gardens remain productive and enjoyable without the long wait associated with peach trees.

1. Raspberry Bush

© The Martha Stewart Blog

Raspberry bushes are a fantastic alternative for those seeking quick fruit production. They grow rapidly and can start producing fruit within the first season. Raspberries are versatile, offering a tart and sweet flavor, perfect for fresh eating or preserving.

Their ease of growth makes them an ideal choice for beginner gardeners or those with limited space. With minimal care, these bushes provide a bountiful harvest. Choosing raspberries over slower-growing trees ensures a continuous supply of fresh fruit, adding value and productivity to any garden space.

2. Strawberry Plant

© Southern Living

Strawberry plants are synonymous with quick fruit production, often yielding fruit in the first year. Their sweet and juicy berries are a delight for many and are incredibly versatile in culinary uses. Compact in size, they fit well into various garden layouts, even in small spaces.

Their fast-growing nature makes them a favorite for those eager to enjoy fresh produce without long waits. By choosing strawberries, gardeners can ensure a delightful addition to their garden that offers both beauty and a delicious harvest with minimal fuss.

3. Blueberry Bush

© Gardener’s Path

Blueberry bushes are a perfect choice for those seeking quick fruit production with minimal effort. They produce deliciously sweet and tart berries, ideal for fresh consumption or cooking. These bushes are compact and suitable for small garden spaces.

Their rapid growth and productivity make them a popular choice for gardeners who want fruit without the wait. Additionally, they offer beautiful foliage year-round, adding aesthetic value. Opting for blueberries over slower-growing trees ensures a vibrant garden that looks great and provides a continuous supply of fresh fruit.

4. Grape Vine

© Pexels

Grape vines are incredibly rewarding for those looking to produce fruit quickly. They can start yielding grapes within a couple of years, offering a bounty of sweet, juicy clusters. Grapes are highly versatile, perfect for fresh eating, juicing, or winemaking.

The vines’ ability to cover structures makes them not only productive but also decorative. Choosing grape vines ensures a garden filled with both beauty and a rich harvest, making them a top choice for those eager to see results without the lengthy wait associated with slower-growing trees.

5. Kiwi Vine

© Gardening Know How

Kiwi vines are an exciting option for anyone looking to diversify their garden with quick-producing fruit. Within a few years, they can start yielding their unique, sweet, and tangy kiwis. These vines are also visually appealing, growing rapidly and covering structures elegantly.

Choosing kiwi vines over slower-growing trees not only ensures a faster harvest but also adds an exotic touch to the garden. Their rapid growth and productivity make them a fantastic alternative for those looking to cultivate a vibrant, diverse garden without the extended wait.

6. Blackberry Bush

© Gardening Know How

Blackberry bushes are a popular choice for quick fruit production, often yielding their first harvest within a year. The berries are sweet, juicy, and perfect for fresh consumption or making jams and desserts. Their ease of growth and adaptability to different environments make them an ideal choice for many gardeners.

The bushes quickly establish themselves, providing a generous harvest with minimal care. Opting for blackberries ensures a productive garden that offers immediate rewards, contrasting sharply with the wait required by slower-growing fruit trees.

7. Pineapple Plant

© TN Nursery

Pineapple plants are an excellent choice for those seeking quick results in fruit production. They are known for their unique and sweet fruit, often ready within 18 months to 2 years. Compact and easy to care for, they fit well into a variety of garden settings.

With their tropical appearance, pineapples add an exotic touch while providing delicious output. Choosing pineapples over slower-growing trees ensures a garden that’s both visually appealing and productive, allowing gardeners to enjoy the fruits of their labor much sooner.

8. Passion Fruit Vine

© Plants Express

Passion fruit vines offer a fast-growing alternative for those eager to harvest fruit quickly. They produce exotic, sweet fruits ideal for fresh consumption or culinary uses. These vines grow rapidly, creating a lush, green coverage in gardens.

Opting for passion fruit vines ensures an abundant harvest with minimal waiting, making them a great choice for those looking to maximize garden productivity. Their unique appearance and flavorful fruits provide both beauty and taste, enhancing any garden without the prolonged wait associated with slower-growing alternatives.

9. Fig Tree Alternative: Papaya

© Gardening Know How

Papaya trees are an excellent alternative to fig trees for those desiring quick fruit production. They can begin yielding fruit within six months to a year after planting. Known for their sweet, tropical flavor, papayas are a hit in many culinary creations.

These trees thrive in warm climates and add an exotic flair to gardens. By choosing papayas over slower-growing fig trees, gardeners can enjoy a faster harvest and a refreshing addition to their garden landscape, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal.

10. Citrus Tree

© Living Color Garden Center

Citrus trees, such as orange, lemon, and lime, are quick producers that offer a delightful array of fruits. They can start bearing fruit within a couple of years, providing fresh, tangy flavors that enhance many dishes.

Their vibrant fruits and glossy leaves make them attractive additions to gardens. Opting for citrus trees ensures a productive and visually appealing garden, where the reward is not only the quick harvest but also the aromatic blossoms and colorful fruit that brighten any space.

11. Mulberry Tree

© Epic Gardening

Mulberry trees are known for their rapid growth and plentiful fruit production. Within a few years, they can yield a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy berries. These trees are robust and adaptable, making them suitable for a variety of climates.

Their quick growth and abundant fruit make them a favorite for those who want results without delay. Choosing mulberries over slower alternatives ensures a productive garden filled with the rich taste of freshly picked berries, adding both utility and charm to any landscape.

12. Banana Plant

© Eureka Farms

Banana plants are a fantastic choice for quick fruit production in tropical and subtropical regions. They can start producing bananas within 10 to 15 months, offering sweet and versatile fruit. With their large, lush leaves, they also add a tropical aesthetic to gardens.

Opting for banana plants ensures a speedy and bountiful harvest. Their rapid growth and fruiting make them an excellent alternative to slower-growing trees, providing both visual appeal and a consistent supply of fresh bananas, perfect for any garden enthusiast.

13. Gooseberry Bush

© Farmer’s Almanac

Gooseberry bushes are ideal for those seeking quick fruit production with minimal fuss. They are hardy and can begin bearing fruit within the first couple of years. The berries are tart and sweet, excellent for fresh eating or making jams.

Their resilience and ease of care make them perfect for various garden environments. By choosing gooseberries, gardeners can ensure a productive garden without the extended wait, enjoying a steady supply of delicious, homegrown berries that add value to their gardening experience.