Apple trees are a timeless favorite among gardeners and orchard owners worldwide. While most apple trees take a few years to mature, some varieties are known for their quick growth and early fruit production — making them perfect for those eager to enjoy homegrown apples sooner. Whether you’re planning a backyard orchard or adding a single tree to your garden, these fast-growing apple tree varieties promise a rewarding harvest in less time than you might expect.
1. Anna Apple
The Anna Apple is one of the fastest-growing and earliest-fruiting apple trees available, especially well-suited for warmer climates like USDA Zones 6–9. Originally developed in Israel, this variety thrives in areas with mild winters and hot summers. It can start producing fruit as soon as 2–3 years after planting. The apples have a crisp, slightly tart flavor similar to Granny Smith, with a blush of red when fully ripe. Anna Apples are excellent for fresh eating, baking, or making cider.
2. Dorsett Golden Apple
Another rapid-growing variety perfect for warm regions, the Dorsett Golden Apple tree is a tropical apple variety developed in the Bahamas. This variety grows quickly and starts bearing fruit within 2 to 3 years. Its fruit resembles the classic Golden Delicious — sweet, juicy, and crisp with a golden-yellow skin. Dorsett Golden thrives in USDA Zones 6–9 and prefers full sun with well-drained soil. It’s a popular choice for home orchards and pairs well with Anna Apple for cross-pollination.
3. Honeycrisp Apple
Known for its incredibly crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor, the Honeycrisp Apple is a fast-growing variety that’s gained massive popularity in recent years. While traditional apple varieties may take 5–7 years to bear fruit, Honeycrisp trees often start producing within 3 to 4 years, especially if grafted. This variety grows vigorously, reaching up to 12 to 15 feet if unpruned. It thrives in cooler climates (USDA Zones 3–7) and benefits from regular pruning and ample sunlight.
4. Fuji Apple
The Fuji Apple, a Japanese favorite, is a quick-growing, early-producing variety known for its long storage life and exceptional sweetness. It’s a vigorous grower that starts bearing apples in 3 to 4 years, producing large, round, crisp fruits with a honeyed flavor. Fuji trees grow best in USDA Zones 5–9 and can tolerate a variety of soil types. This variety requires cross-pollination with other apple varieties like Gala or Granny Smith for the best yield.
5. Gala Apple
The Gala Apple is a favorite among gardeners for its fast growth, reliable harvest, and sweet, aromatic flavor. This variety typically starts producing fruit within 3 to 4 years after planting. It thrives in USDA Zones 4–9 and prefers full sun and moderately rich soil. Gala apples are medium-sized, reddish-orange with a striped skin, and perfect for fresh eating or juicing. Their vigorous growth habit makes them a popular choice for backyard orchards and small farms alike.
6. Red Delicious Apple
As one of the most widely recognized apple varieties in the world, the Red Delicious Apple is also a surprisingly fast grower. It typically begins producing fruit in 3 to 5 years, and grafted trees may bear even sooner. The tree grows rapidly, reaching up to 20 feet in height if unpruned. Known for its deep red skin and mildly sweet flavor, Red Delicious apples are best for fresh eating. It thrives in USDA Zones 5–8 and prefers full sun.
7. Gravenstein Apple
A classic heirloom variety from Denmark, the Gravenstein Apple is prized for its rapid growth and exceptional culinary qualities. This tree grows quickly and can start producing in 3 to 4 years. It thrives in USDA Zones 2–9, making it one of the most versatile apple trees for different climates. Gravenstein apples are greenish-yellow with red stripes, offering a tart, aromatic flavor that’s ideal for pies, cider, and applesauce. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and maximize fruit production.
8. Lodi Apple
The Lodi Apple is an early-ripening, fast-growing apple variety perfect for northern and temperate climates (USDA Zones 3–8). It typically bears fruit within 3 years of planting and offers a heavy early summer harvest. The apples are pale green, crisp, and tart — perfect for cooking, baking, and making applesauce. Lodi trees grow rapidly, reaching heights of 10–15 feet when mature. They require full sunlight, well-drained soil, and occasional pruning for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re eager to enjoy fresh apples from your own garden without the long wait, these fast-growing apple tree varieties are excellent choices. Not only do they deliver quicker harvests, but they also add beauty, shade, and seasonal blooms to your outdoor space. With proper care, including regular pruning, watering, and fertilizing, you’ll enjoy baskets of crisp, homegrown apples in no time.
Pro Tip: For the best fruit yields, plant at least two compatible varieties for effective cross-pollination.
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