Planting fast-growing fruit trees on your property provides delicious, nutrient-rich fruit during harvest time. Fruit trees also provide food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

We spoke with Southern fruit tree experts about the best fast-growing fruit trees to plant and why they’re worth growing. 

Before choosing a fast-growing fruit tree to plant, you should check that you have the preferred soil type.

“Proper soil preparation, consistent watering, and organic fertilization are key to ensuring healthy growth and fruit production,” says Annette Thurmon, author of Simple Country Living and farms at Azure Farm in Georgia.

While you may be thinking about the abundant harvest and freshest fruit, remember maintenance and proper care is necessary. “Fruit trees often require regular pruning to maintain structure and encourage strong branches,” says Thurmon.  

Calamondin

If you love mandarins and kumquats, you may love the Calamondin, a hybrid that is similar to both citrus fruits. Calamondin are great for beginners, says Danny Trejo, founder of Via Citrus, whose citrus groves are in Florida. They’re one of his favorites. Calamondins don’t need a lot of space, either.  It stays compact, making it perfect for patios or indoor spaces, and it produces fruit year-round—even when young,” says Trejo. 

• Botanical Name: Citrus × macrocarpa
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, Well-draining
• Soil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.5 to 7.0)

Elderberry

Grow elderberries, also known as American Elder or Common Elderberry, for tiny dark purple or bluish berries that grow in clusters. The berries are cooked and made into jam, syrup, and elderberry wine. “Elderberry is a small native tree or shrub-like tree that grows outwards more than upwards,” says Stephanie Turner, Clemson Extension Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator for Greenwood County in South Carolina. “It spreads into thickets via underground stolons.”

• Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, fertile
• Soil pH: Acidic to Neutral (6.0-8.0) 

Fig

Fig trees, not only are fast-growing fruit trees in the South, but they establish quickly and produce an abundant harvest. “They thrive in the region’s warm climate and are drought-tolerant, once established,” says Thurmon.  “They are highly adaptable, thriving in various soil types and requiring little intervention beyond occasional pruning.”

Grow them in an area where they have plenty of room to grow and receive ample sunlight. “Mature trees can reach up to 30 feet in height, depending on growing conditions and the cultivar,” says Turner. Fig trees grow aggressively and need a lot of space to avoid overcrowding, adds Thurmon. 

• Botanical Name: Ficus carica 
• Sun Exposure: Full sun 
• Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy or sandy
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5) 

Kumquat

If you’re a citrus fan, consider growing Kumquats that produce small, tart fruits. “Kumquats are a great fast-growing option for Southern gardens because they thrive in warm, humid conditions and can tolerate mild frosts,” says Thurmon. Kumquat is a great choice, too, if you’re in between growing zones. “It’s slightly more cold-hardy than most citrus, making it a great choice for borderline growing zones,” says Trejo. Kumquat trees are compact and don’t need a lot of space to grow. They’ll be ideal for small spaces or container gardening, says Thurmon. One of her favorite varieties to grow is Meiwa Kumquat. 

• Botanical Name: Fortunella spp.
• Sun Exposure: Full sun 
• Soil Type: Well-drained, Loamy or sandy
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5-6.5) 

Lemon

Grow a lemon tree if you love making lemonade, lemon bars, or lemon meringue pie. Choose an area on your property with lots of sun. “They prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, both of which the South provides in abundance,” says Trejo. 

Lemon trees also offer multiple harvests each year. “Lemons are one of the most vigorous citrus varieties, producing fruit multiple times a year in the right conditions. Citrus thrives in Zones 9-11 when planted directly in the ground,” says Trejo. “Zone 8 can also work with winter protection. For zones below 8, we recommend keeping your citrus tree in a pot and bringing it indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.”

• Botanical Name: Citrus ×limon
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Type: Moist, Well-draining
• Soil pH: Acidic to Neutral (5.5 to 6.5)

Mandarin

Mandarin trees grow well in Southern states and produce small citrus fruits that are delicious and nutritious snacks. “They grow quickly and adapt well to the Southern climate, making them a favorite for home growers,” says Trejo. They’re also low-maintenance trees, he says. 

Check your geographical region hardiness zone to know whether you can plant directly in the ground or if you need to grow them in containers, says Trejo. Growing a mandarin tree in a pot allows you to bring them indoors in the winter when temperatures get too cold outside. 

• Botanical Name: Citrus reticulata
• Sun Exposure: Full sun 
• Soil Type: Loose, well-drained 
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to Neutral (6.0-6.5) 

Mulberries

The mulberry tree has small berries that are similar to blackberries and are a good food source for wildlife. “Their abundant, sweet fruit attracts birds and pollinators, making them a great choice for a wildlife-friendly garden,” says Thurmon.

Once mulberry trees are established, they can grow in a variety of soil types and manage in drought conditions, says Thurmon. “Mulberries are an excellent choice for the South because they thrive in warm climates and can grow several feet per year,” she says. 

• Botanical Name: Morus spp. 
• Sun Exposure: Full sun 
• Soil Type: Well-drained  
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to Neutral (5.5-7.0) 

Peach

Delicious, juicy peaches are a sign of summer and they grow well in the Southern weather. “Peach [trees] thrive in warm, sunny climates and adapt well to different soil types,” says Thurmon. In the spring, they have fragrant blossoms that attract pollinators, she adds. 

Peach trees take a few years before they begin bearing fruit but be prepared for additional care and maintenance. “Having a successful harvest can be labor intensive including pruning, thinning of fruit, and disease and pest management,” says Turner. Learn which varieties grow well in your geographical region. “The best variety to choose will vary according to your location so check with a local extension service before you shop for trees,” she adds. 

Thurmon recommends pruning peach trees when the first flowers appear. “Trim in the shape of an upside-down umbrella. This promotes airflow and helps prevent certain diseases,” she says. 

• Botanical Name: Prunus persica 
• Sun Exposure: Full sun 
• Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or loamy
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-6.5)