When we think of growing fruit trees, we instantly think of big trees in our backyard that need lots of space. But can you grow fruit indoors? Yes, you can because there are fruits that grow indoors,
These indoor fruit plants make it much easier to have direct access to fresh produce even if you’re living in an apartment or condominium unit. Growing fruit trees in pots and containers can be so much easier than you think. Here are seven indoor fruit plants you can start growing.
Strawberries are one of the fruits that grow indoors
Take a soil container that is about five to six inches deep.
Make sure that your soil has a pH of 5.6 to 6.3. Fertilizer is also recommended for growing strawberries. You can start from seeds or an already sprouted plant. Be sure not to overcrowd your strawberry plants because they can become diseased or moldy.
The main thing strawberries need when you grow them indoors is to make sure they get lots of sun.
So make sure you place them on a sunny windowsill and in a warm place. You can use plant lighting if you need to. They’ll need at least six hours of sun per day.
Read the full tutorial on growing strawberries here.
Grapes
Having your own tiny vineyard in your home is possible as long as you have good ventilation for your grapes.
This will prevent mildew. You can even manipulate your vines to grow up your ceiling and up your walls. You’ll need a container that can hold a minimum of 15 gallons.
Grapes need proper drainage so you’ll have to put stones or something similar at the bottom of your container, then add your soil and a layer of mulch. Get the full tutorial for growing indoor potted grapes here.
Figs
You can grow a fig tree from a seed or a pre-started fig tree. You’ll need a planter with drainage holes that you place in a well-lit area.
But don’t put it in direct sunlight. Fig trees thrive at 65 degrees. You’ll want to water your tree until water comes out of the drainage holes but not enough so that your tree is sitting in extra water. Water regularly once a week.
Get the full instructions here.
Papaya
You can have beautiful tropical papaya plants as long as you can place it in an area that’s at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This plant needs full sun and regular watering.
You will also need to trim the stems so it can stay in an indoor container. Your fruit will be ready within seven to eight months. Learn everything you need to know about growing papaya’s indoors
Learn everything you need to know about how to grow papaya in pots here.
Growing mulberry trees
If you have 10 years to kill, then you have enough time for growing mulberry trees from seeds. If not, you can buy a semi-dwarf or dwarf-sized tree and grow it in your home.
A mulberry tree must be kept in a warm room that is very bright with lots of sunshine. You’ll also need a very large pot (about one-third the height of the tree, excluding the roots) for this slow-growing plant. This pot should have drainage holes and an attached tray to catch the excess water.
Make sure you water enough so that the roots get wet but aren’t sitting in a pool of water. Re-water when the soil is dry again. You can add a slow-release fertilizer every six months. Get complete instructions here.
Watermelon
Juicy watermelons can be grown right in your own home.
Watermelons will need a large pot with moist, sandy soil to grow. These fruits also need to be placed in a warm and sunny spot.
You’ll need some lattice, wire, or wooden sticks to create a support system so that the vines can grow vertically. Since watermelons are heavy, you’ll need a sturdy structure. You can find an indoor watermelon tutorial here.
Apricots
These colorful fruits are fairly easy to grow in pots that need to be kept in a sunny spot. They grow best in a “soil-less” environment that uses compost and a pot with lots of drainage.
These plants can be hand-pollinated by using a paintbrush and going from one flower to another.
You’ll also want to get rid of any fruit that looks odd-shaped or super small so that the other fruits can grow large and healthy. Learn how to grow an apricot from seed in your home here.
Takeaway
Knowing that there are fruits that grow indoors could be liberating, especially when you want access to fresh produce all the time. It doesn’t only contribute to your health and diet, but the overall indoor ecosystem as well. Plant your favorite indoor fruit plants now, and reap the fruits of your labor – literally.