In modern America, we have come to expect what we want immediately. Microwaves, instant prepared foods, quick diets, fast cars all attribute to ‘now-ness’. But many things do take time. Growing things is one things we can’t rush. While growing a fruit tree for fruit does have its benefits, it will take time to reap those benefits.
Just How Long?
There’s a popluar Chinese proverb that says,
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now [1].
That being said, congratulations on making the first step in actually buying a fruit tree. Once it’s planted properly, fertilized, watered, complete with sunshine, one awaits eagerly for the delicious fruit. But not so fast. Most trees will not bear fruit the first year they are planted. Citrus and fig trees can bear in 1-2 years while sweet cherry and pear tres can take longer than 4 years for the first crop. Courtesy of Stark Bro’s here is a rundown of various fruit trees and when a gardener can expect fruit [2].
| Fruit Tree Type | Years to Fruit |
| Apple Trees | 2-5 years |
| Apricot Trees | 2-5Â years |
| Banana Plants | 2-3Â years |
| Cherry Trees (sour) | 3-5 years |
| Cherry Trees (sweet) | 4-7 years |
| Citrus Trees | 1-2Â years |
| Fig Trees | 1-2Â years |
| Mulberry Trees | 2-3Â years |
| Nectarine Trees | 2-4Â years |
| Olive Trees | 2-3Â years |
| Pawpaw Trees | 5-7Â years |
| Peach Trees | 2-4Â years |
| Pear Trees | 4-6Â years |
| Persimmon Trees | 3-4Â years |
| Plum Trees | 3-6Â years |
| Pomegranate Trees | 2-3Â years |
It is good to plan out your orchard. During the time you care waiting on some longer bearing fruit, you may be able to enjoy fruit from trees that bear earlier. Even unheard of plantings, like citrus in the North, is becoming more commonplace with indoor and container plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, don’t be discouraged with plants that seem to take a while to bear fruit. They are developing that rich root system. But it is OK to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures by planting a combination of fruits to enjoy for many months throughout the year.
Notes:
- ^https://getsproutstudio.com/plant-a-tree/#:~:text=There’s%20a%20popular%20Chinese%20proverb,second%20best%20time%20is%20now.%E2%80%9D&text=Basically%20in%20the%20context%20of,time%20to%20act%20is%20now. (go back ↩)
- ^https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/how-many-years?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-26-10%20GG%20-%20Years%20to%20Fruit&utm_content=2021-26-10%20GG%20-%20Years%20to%20Fruit+CID_d26592ce75c41976e3946e72b82cfcce&utm_source=campaign%20monitor&utm_term=Years%20to%20Fruit%20LEARN%20MORE (go back ↩)
