What Kind Of Fruit Can I Grow Indoors?
Most experienced gardeners have heard of specialty trees that are designed to grow just as well inside as outside. More recently, gardeners have discovered the pride of owning an indoor fruit tree, especially when their tree yields a bountiful crop of sweet, luscious fruit.
If you’re experienced with indoor fruit trees, you’ve heard of the Meyer lemon, perhaps the most well known tree of this type. The Meyer lemon is perfect for container growing as it is hearty, easy care, and prolific. Building on the positive reputation of the Meyer, other varieties of citrus trees are now being introduced, all appropriate for container gardeners, and suited for indoor growing. Let’s take a look at a few.
Key Lime - A hearty specimen that’s quite appropriate for growing indoors, the key lime tree produces limes that are somewhat smaller than limes you’d normally see. Some claim they’re a bit sweeter than regular limes, and we’d agree.
Ponderosa Lemon - Maybe they called this variety the Ponderosa because everything is big on a ponderosa. And that’s the case with these lemons. They’re positively huge, weighing in at as much as two pounds each. Let them grow and ripen on the tree and don’t be tempted to pick them too soon. Don’t worry, the branches will hold the fruit!
Washington Navel Orange - This was our first attempt at growing oranges indoors, and we couldn’t have been more pleased and surprised. This tree is unique in that it produces fruit in the winter. And the oranges are really special … medium sized, seedless, and delightfully sweet.
Calamondin Tree - What’s a calamondin? Calamondins, native to southeast Asia, have been deemed part of both the lime and orange family. These trees are fragrant and produce fruit year around. And yes, they actually taste like a cross between a lime and orange. Delicious!
Fingered Citron - Another unusual tree species, but common in Asia. The fingered citron derives its name from how the fruit looks when ripe, as the sections resemble a hand. Delightfully fragrant, it is a prolific fruit producer when given proper care. The fruit itself is similar to a lemon, in terms of use and taste, although somewhat milder.
These are just a few types of indoor citrus trees that are available for container growing. Consider these trees for the beginning gardener, as they are quite easy care and their production of fruit instills gardening confidence and pride! Indoor citrus trees are generally shipped all year around, to even the coldest climates.
