Delicious fruit, minimal effort—these trees do all the work on their own.
When it comes to picking out a fruit tree for your garden, one of the first questions you might ask is whether it needs a second tree nearby for pollination. While some fruit trees require a partner to bear fruit, self-pollinating varieties don’t—and that’s great news for smaller gardens or anyone looking for a hassle-free experience.
Self-pollinating trees, also known as self-fertile trees, are perfect for gardeners who want a bountiful harvest without the extra work. These trees can produce fruit on their own, making them space-saving and easy to care for. Plus, they come in a variety of flavors, from sweet to tangy, so you can enjoy fresh fruit right from your backyard. Whether you're a beginner gardener or just want to simplify your fruit-growing process, these seven self-pollinating trees are fantastic options to consider.
1. Garfield Plantation Pie Cherry
If you’re looking for a compact cherry tree that yields an impressive crop, the Garfield Plantation Pie Cherry is a must-try. This hardy, cold-tolerant tree produces vibrant, tart cherries—perfect for pies, jams, or snacking.
According to Seth Yentes, co-owner of North Branch Farm, “The Garfield Plantation Pie Cherry is the most productive cherry tree we’ve ever grown.” Its spring blossoms are beautiful, and once the flowers fade, the tree produces a generous harvest without needing another cherry tree for pollination.
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Hardiness zones: 3–8
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Mature size: 15 ft. tall × 12 ft. wide
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Needs: Full sun, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
2. Lars Anderson Peach
For a sweet and juicy peach that doesn’t need a partner, the Lars Anderson Peach is the way to go. This freestone variety is cold-hardy and consistently produces delicious, flavorful peaches.
“It has everything you'd want in a peach—flavor, sweetness, and that perfect juicy bite,” says Yentes. Introduced by Fedco Trees, Lars Anderson stands out for its deep orange flesh and dependable fruiting season after season.
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Hardiness zones: 5–8
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Mature size: 10–15 ft. tall × 12–15 ft. wide
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Needs: Full sun, fertile, well-draining soil
3. Self-Pollinating Plum Trees
Did you know many plum trees are self-pollinating? While some varieties benefit from having a second tree nearby, self-fertile plums can thrive on their own, producing rich, sweet fruit perfect for fresh eating, preserves, or even baking.
These trees bloom in the spring with delicate white flowers and go on to produce beautiful, dark plums. They’re relatively low-maintenance as long as they have proper sunlight and well-draining soil.
4. Mulberry Tree
Mulberries are an easy-to-grow fruit that offers big yields with minimal effort. Think of them as thornless blackberries growing on a tree, says David Fried, co-owner of Elmore Roots. These trees love full sun but are adaptable enough to grow in partial shade, making them versatile for various garden spaces.
Mulberries are fantastic fresh, dried, or used in jams and desserts. Plus, the tree is a bird magnet, adding an extra layer of beauty to your garden.
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Hardiness zones: 3–6
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Mature size: 10–50 ft. tall × 10–40 ft. wide
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Needs: Full sun, rich, well-drained soil
5. Bali Cherry
If you're looking for a cherry tree that offers beauty and flavor, the Bali Cherry is a standout. These trees are known for their stunning spring blossoms and sweet-tart cherries that are perfect for fresh eating or baking.
“Bali cherries are sweeter than most tart varieties, making them great for both fresh consumption and culinary uses,” says Fried. In addition to their tasty fruit, the tree’s vibrant bark and white blossoms create a lovely seasonal display.
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Hardiness zones: 3–5
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Mature size: 10–12 ft. tall × 10–12 ft. wide
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Needs: Full sun, well-draining, organic-rich soil
6. Self-Pollinating Citrus Trees
Whether you love lemons, limes, or grapefruits, many citrus trees are naturally self-pollinating. These trees thrive in warm climates, but in cooler zones, dwarf varieties like Meyer lemon are perfect for container growing and can be brought indoors during the winter.
In mild climates, citrus trees are perfect for year-round fruiting. A little extra shaking of the branches during bloom time can help distribute pollen, leading to a better harvest.
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Hardiness zones: 9–11
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Mature size: 20–25 ft. tall × 15–20 ft. wide (Dwarf: 6–10 ft. × 3–5 ft.)
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Needs: Full sun, well-drained soil
7. Fig Trees
Last but certainly not least, fig trees are a gardener’s dream. These trees produce sweet, soft fruit and can even survive in colder climates with a little extra care. Varieties like Chicago Hardy, Brown Turkey, and Celeste can thrive in zones 5–6 if properly protected during the winter months.
Fig trees have large, lobed leaves and tend to grow quickly, making them a great choice for gardeners looking for fast rewards.
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Hardiness zones: 7–10 (or 5–6 with protection)
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Mature size: 20–25 ft. tall × 15–20 ft. wide (Dwarf: 6–10 ft. × 3–5 ft.)
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Needs: Full sun, fertile, well-draining soil
Final Thoughts
Self-pollinating trees are the perfect solution for anyone looking to grow their own fruit without the hassle of needing multiple trees for cross-pollination. Whether you’re working with a small garden or just want to simplify the process, these trees provide plenty of delicious fruit with minimal care. Plus, they bring beauty and seasonal interest to your landscape.
Ready to plant your own fruit tree? With one of these self-pollinating varieties, you’ll enjoy a harvest year after year—without needing a second tree!
