Growing a bonsai fruit tree is an exciting and rewarding way to enjoy a wide variety of fruits. While it can take some time to develop a fruiting bonsai, the effort is well worth it. The result is a lovely miniature masterpiece that adds a unique and interesting feature to your garden or home.
Many fruit trees are suitable for use as bonsai, including crab apples (Malus domestica), cherries (Prunus avium), pomegranates (Punica granatum), and citrus fruit trees such as Meyer lemons and calamondin oranges. All fruit trees require regular pruning, which helps to shape and form the desired foliage and fruit for a beautiful display.
Fruit tree bonsais are similar to other bonsai in terms of care and attention. The trees should be planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly. The plants should also be fed with a balanced fertilizer that provides the tree with the nutrients it needs to grow and produce fruit. The amount of fertilizer needed will vary depending on the species and climate. The fertilizer should be applied as a liquid or drench in the spring and again in late summer. In the winter, a light application is recommended, to prevent root rot.
Despite their small size, fruit trees grown as bonsai tend to bear larger fruit than their full-sized counterparts. While the size of the fruit can be reduced through pruning, the flowers and fruit will remain large, unless the species is selected to have naturally smaller fruit.