Unusual Fruit Tree Ideas For Your Garden

Many of us will grow fruits such as apples, plums, pears and cherries in our gardens. But what if we want to branch out and try growing other fruit trees? What other fruits could we consider growing in our gardens in this country? Here are some more unusual fruit tree ideas for your garden – fruits that have been grown for generations, and yet are still far less well known:

Mulberry

Mulberries cannot commonly be bought from the shops so growing your own is likely to be the best way to source these fruits. The trees are not only a source of food but can also make for interesting architectural features in gardens, with their gnarled shape and spreading habit. Mulberries can also be a grown against walls if space is limited. Mulberries can take as many as 8 or 9 years after planting to produce fruit, but after mature, can produce a heavy crop in August and September.

Medlar

Medlars are not usually eaten raw but are excellent for making jellies or for use in a wide range of desserts. Left to soften on the tree, the fruit mellows and is a traditional, if unusual treat. Like mulberries, medlars can also be attractive as ornamental trees. These trees will do best in sunny, sheltered sites and thrive in deep, fertile and well-drained soil.

Quince

Quinces are another traditional but less common garden fruit. They have a high level of pectin which makes them ideal for making a range of jams and jellies and other preserves. The fruits will ripen perfectly when grown in a sunny location and though they have a long growing season, can be grown even in northern areas when positioned against a sunny, south facing wall.

Greengage

Greengages are a group of cultivars that came from green-fruited wild plums originally found in the mountains of Iran. Generally smaller than other plums, these are prized for their rich flavour and can be eaten fresh from the tree or cooked and used in a wide range of recipes.

There are, of course, plenty of varieties of each of the above to choose from for your garden, and other fruit trees that you could try. In addition to considering growing apples, plums, pears and cherries, you should also consider growing some more unusual fruit trees where you live.