A “fruit salad tree" might sound like a made-up plant, but it's actually real. Just like a fruit salad mix, these trees pack four or five kinds of fruits onto the same tree, giving it a whimsical look when harvest season nears. And for those with limited growing space, fruit salad trees can be as practical as they are intriguing.
Alternatively known as fruit cocktail trees, they are in fact multiple varieties of related fruits grafted onto a single rootstock–often a dwarf rootstock to keep the overall tree small and manageable. In other words, different stone fruits (Prunus spp.) cannot be grafted onto a single tree with citruses (Citrus spp.) because they aren't closely related enough. But related fruits such as cherries, apricots, plums, and nectarines can be grafted together. Similarly, mandarins, oranges, kumquats, and grapefruit can be grafted together.
Types of Fruit Salad Trees
There are four types of fruit salad trees:
Stone fruit: This tree can produce apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, almonds, and nectarines. Typically, this type of fruit salad tree can be grown in USDA Zones 5-9.
Citrus fruit: A wide range of citrus fruits can be produced like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, pomelos, mandarins, kumquats, and tangelos. This tree is hardy in Zones 9-11.
Multi apple: A variety of apples can be grown on this tree including red, green, and yellow apples. Usually, apple trees grow best in Zones 4-7.
Multi nashi: Several varieties of Asian pears can be produced from this type of fruit salad tree. Grow this tree in Zones 5-9, depending on the varieties of Asian pear grafted on the tree.
When and Where to Plant a Fruit Salad Tree
Deciduous fruit trees like apples, pears, prunes, peaches, etc., are best planted in late summer to early spring while trees are still dormant. Many deciduous fruit trees are sold “bare root,” meaning they are purchased without soil or even a pot and are meant to go directly into the ground. Conversely, evergreen fruit trees like citruses can be planted or repotted at any time of the year. However, transplanting citrus while they are flowering can lead to flower drop and reduced fruit production.
Airflow around fruit trees is also important and should be considered when a site is selected for planting. Check the tree’s nursery tag to find the final height and width of trees before planting, and be sure to leave plenty of space around the canopy for ample airflow.
Fruit Salad Tree Care Tips
With the right care, a fruit salad tree can be a treat for the whole family.
Light
As with most fruiting trees, the various kinds of fruit salad trees should be planted in full sun (at least 8 hours of direct sun per day). Shaded fruit trees will become leggy, produce fewer flowers, attract fewer pollinators, and in the end produce smaller yields of fruit.
Soil and Water
Most grafted fruit trees will require loamy, rich soils and constant moisture–especially while flowering and fruiting. Overly clay soils can lead to water stagnation and eventual root rot. Rocky soils can restrict root growth and become too dry. Heavily amending such soils with organic matter such as compost can help young trees get a good start on growth, but rarely help long-term unless significant amounts of soil are amended or replaced.
Temperature and Humidity
Fruit tree resilience varies wildly among the various species and cultivars, so care should be taken when choosing trees. Citrus, for example, do especially well in warm, humid environments, while fruits in the genus Prunus have some chill requirements for proper growth. Locations within Zones 4-8 tend to be better for stone fruits (peaches, prunes, cherries, etc.) while Zones 9-11 are best for growing citrus.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer requirements vary depending on species, but most will benefit from an annual application once in early spring after buds begin to swell and another in mid to late summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Pruning
Pruning is especially important for fruit salad trees, and care should be taken to research the pruning of the various fruit species being used for the grafts. Some fruit types will grow faster than others and should be trimmed accordingly. It is always a good idea to research the individual cultivars after purchasing and be prepared for annual pruning.
Regardless of the fruits used for the various grafts, almost all are grafted onto either seedling rootstocks or a specific kind of rootstock that impedes the growth of grafts, thereby dwarfing the trees. Care should be taken to never cut grafts back to the rootstock or risk losing them entirely. Further, rootstocks usually produce inferior fruits as they’re grown for alternative purposes. Any watersprouts (growths from the rootstocks, often at the base) should never be allowed to grow and should always be trimmed off.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Pests vary by grafts used, but all fruit trees commonly used in fruit cocktail trees are prone to disease. Giving trees ample light exposure, annual fertilizer applications, adequate airflow, and regular water will cut down on the risk of trees becoming infected.
As with all edible plants, it's best to use organic pesticides. These include neem oil, copper spray, and pyrethrin, which are effective at treating most diseases found in the home garden. Use of nonorganic sprays should be used with extreme care. Never use systemic pesticides that are poured onto the soil and taken up by the tree’s roots and transported throughout the tree, including into the fruit.
Companion Plants
Planting companion planting directly under fruit trees is not desirable as it can lead to competition for water and feed while also limiting airflow around trees. However, planting a wide variety of flowers around fruit trees will help attract pollinators to the area and assist in the proper pollination of the tree.
Many fruit trees need to be cross-pollinated by a select group of cultivars for proper pollination. Planting additional fruit trees in your garden will help to ensure the pollination of your fruit salad tree, provided they are cultivars recommended for cross-pollination. Ask your vendor for a list of preferred pollinators.