You don’t need a sprawling backyard to pick fruit from your own plant. Many familiar fruit plants adapt to container life, and a deep pot, plenty of sun and regular pruning are usually enough to keep them balcony-sized. Here are seven that suit small spaces, and what makes each one worth a corner of your home.
A summer fruit that is easy to miss in nurseries but worth looking for. It is considered one of India’s oldest indigenous fruits and is drought-hardy. The berries are sweet and tangy, and are usually eaten fresh or turned into juice and sharbat. Phalsa fruits on the current year’s growth, so pruning is essential. Research suggests the best time to prune is December to January. The plant loses its leaves in winter, so don’t panic when it looks bare. Lemon stays small in height, is easy to maintain, and fruits almost throughout the year. It is a familiar kitchen-garden plant, and a few fruits go a long way. Give it a bright spot, soil that drains well and regular feeding. Figs do well when their roots are confined, which makes a pot a good home. The restriction encourages the plant to put energy into fruit instead of sprawling growth. Choose a sunny spot and avoid overwatering.