The balcony isn't just a spot for enjoying the view; it's an ideal place for cultivating flowers and plants. While some people use it for cool fruit tree pots, not all fruits thrive on the balcony.
Which fruits are best suited for balcony planting?
1. Figs
Figs make an excellent choice for balcony potted plants. All it takes is a single branch to get started. Figs boast a unique flavor and are packed with nutrients, making them the top pick for potted fruit trees. They are also among the fastest fruit-bearing trees, producing fruit within the same year of planting.
Potting method: Select a robust fig branch, approximately 10-20 cm long, and insert it into prepared potting sand, ensuring the sand is thoroughly watered. In about two weeks, roots typically develop, and within three weeks, leaves emerge.
Transplant the fig into a slightly larger and deeper pot to encourage growth. Use fertile and breathable soil, adding cake fertilizer at the pot's bottom. When the fig reaches around 30 centimeters, prune the top leaves to stimulate lateral branch growth.
2. Strawberry
Strawberries, known for their delightful fragrance, are perfect for balcony pots due to their compact growth and stolons, making them suitable for hanging pots.
Potting method: Soak strawberry seeds in water for 24 hours, then refrigerate them with fine sand in a plastic bag for 15 days to enhance germination.
Select a pot enriched with quality bottom fertilizer, scatter the chilled seeds over the soil's surface, cover them with a thin layer of soil and water, and then wrap the pot with plastic film.
Germination usually occurs in about 15 days. Once the leaves reach five or more, transplant them into a larger pot with sufficient bottom fertilizer, regular watering, and sunlight.
3. Passion Fruit
Passion fruit is both ornamental and fruitful, making it an ideal choice for balcony pots. It's easy to plant and requires simple maintenance, blossoming and bearing fruit within a year.
Potting method: Select fully ripened passion fruit, extract, and rinse the seeds in warm water. Dry the seeds for 1-2 days, then soak them for 2-3 days to promote germination. Once 80% of the seeds show buds, sow them in sandy loam or nutrient-rich soil, water and cover them with plastic wrap.
After about a week, when the seedlings reach 8 cm, thin out weaker seedlings. When they grow to 30 cm, provide a cane frame and encourage side shoot development.
4. Blueberry
Blueberries, rich in anthocyanin, are nutritious and beneficial for vision and anti-aging. They are expensive in the market, but they are easy to grow in pots, making them popular for balcony planting.
Potting method: Opt for 2-3-year-old seedlings and plant them in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 to 5.5. Place blueberry pots in a well-lit area with proper ventilation.
Utilizing the balcony to cultivate potted fruits not only maximizes unused space but also provides the joy of harvesting your carefully nurtured fruits. Give it a try, and you're sure to get hooked on the pleasures of growing potted fruit trees!
