Alternatively, they can be grown as fans.īoth peaches and apricots are hardy when dormant over winter, but since they blossom early in the spring, the flowers are susceptible to frost damage. All of these can be grown as freestanding trees in pots and need little pruning. A good peach is Bonanza try Pixzee or Pixie-cot for an apricot. As with all container fruit trees, make sure you buy a tree with the suitable rootstock. Such experiences have to be repeated, and you'll go to no end of trouble to do so. Once you've tasted your first ripe peach or apricot straight from your own tree, there's no going back. The pruning required varies depending on the form and type of fruit tree it's worth buying from a specialist supplier who will provide detailed instructions.Īdapted from The Edible Balcony by Alex Mitchell

The traditional time to plant fruit trees is in the dormant season from mid-fall to early spring, though you can pick up potted trees all year round. It's a good idea to mulch the surface of the soil (with shingle or coco shells, for example) to keep moisture in. Place the trees in a sunny spot to get a really good, sweet crop.įeed potted fruit trees every two weeks from blossom time to mid-autumn with a high-potash feed such as liquid seaweed and keep them well watered. Since fruit trees will live for many years, it's best to plant them in a soil-based potting mix that releases nutrients slowly. You will also need to anchor the tree to some type of support, as a fruit tree in full leaf can really catch the wind. Drill drainage holes into the base if they don't already have them. Heavier options include halved wooden barrels or terracotta pots, while for super-lightweight versions consider plastic planters or rubber Tubtrugs. Galvanized dustbins come in the ideal size, look surprisingly elegant, and cost fairly little at hardware stores. You can grow fruit trees in pots at least 1 foot in diameter and 1 foot deep.

Pixzee peach tree