5 Fruit Trees That Thrive in Greenhouses All Winter Long, According to Experts When grown indoors, they can survive even during the cold months. Close Credit: Getty Images Even in the coldest months, some fruit trees can thrive year-round in a glass enclosure. Controlled environments like greenhouses and cold frames can give you a head start on spring planting, help protect tender roots, and even offer year-round fruit. Another perk? It’s a good way to protect your harvests from raccoons and squirrels. The key to success is understanding each tree’s temperature, light, and pollination needs—and selecting compact varieties suited for contained spaces. Ahead are the best fruit trees to grow in greenhouses or cold frames this winter—plus expert advice on how to help them thrive. Brett Blaauw, associate professor of entomology and peach specialist at the University of Georgia Brandon Stokley, co-owner of Stokley Garden Express 9 Fruit Trees You Can Grow Indoors, According to Horticulturists 01 of 05 Dwarf or Semi-Dwarf Apple Tree Credit: Getty Images Dwarf apple trees are one of the most cold-tolerant options for greenhouse growing. Their compact size and naturally hardy disposition make them ideal for gardeners who want traditional orchard fruit, without the acreage. While apples tolerate cold well, they still need a dormant period to trigger blooms. Brett Blaauw, associate professor of entomology at the University of Georgia, says a chilling period of 600 to 800 hours at 32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit is usually enough. If your greenhouse stays warm all winter, then you can artificially supply this chill time in cooler rooms or garages. The hardest part of growing apples in an enclosed area is the cross-pollination needed for many varieties. Check pollination requirements, and plant at least two compatible varieties—or hand-pollinate with a small brush, suggests Blaauw. Size: 6 to 10 feet (dwarf), 10 to 15 feet (semi-dwarf)Care requirements: Bright light; rich, well-draining soil, slightly acidic 02 of 05 Meyer Lemon Tree Credit: Getty Images Beloved for their sweeter, less acidic flavor, Meyer lemons are also among the most greenhouse-friendly citrus varieties. “[They] are compact and well-suited for container growth,” Blaauw says. “Unlike most citrus trees, they're more tolerant of cool temperatures and adapt well to indoor lighting.” They do well at 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature range many greenhouses naturally maintain, and require about 8 to 12 hours of bright light a day. “With proper lighting, nutrition, and water, Meyer lemon trees will bloom year-round, but if in a greenhouse or indoors, they will need to be hand-pollinated using a small, soft paintbrush,” Blaauw notes. Size: 3 to 4 feet tall by 3 to 4 feet wideCare requirements: Bright light; well-draining soil, slightly acidic How to Grow a Meyer Lemon Tree Indoors or Outside for Abundant Fresh Citrus 03 of 05 Kumquat Tree Credit: Getty Images Another citrus that’s ideal for greenhouse growing is the kumquat, according to Blaauw. “They are naturally dwarfing trees and are also relatively cold-tolerant for citrus, making them perfect for small, sunny spaces or greenhouse corners,” he says. Kumquats can tolerate dips to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, though 55 to 75 degrees is best for fruiting. As with most citrus, light is essential, and kumquats require 8 to 12 hours of bright light. They are self-fertile; however, “hand pollination can help improve fruit yield,” Blaauw notes. Size: 3 to 4 feet tall by 3 feet wideCare requirements: Bright light; well-draining soil, slightly acidic 04 of 05 Fig Tree Credit: Getty Images These heat-loving plants thrive in greenhouses—especially where summers are too cool for ripening fruit outdoors. “Figs love warm roots and bright light but require relatively low maintenance, making them perfect for enclosed environments,” Blaauw says. Figs need eight or more hours of sun and a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during active growth. They’re also self-fertile, which simplifies greenhouse growing. In cool climates, a cold frame or greenhouse can make the difference between survival and production. “By trapping warmth and shielding the tree from early frost, your fig will leaf out earlier, accumulate more heat units through the season, and continue growing longer into the fall," says Brandon Stokley, co-owner of Stokley Garden Express. "This will dramatically improve your chances of harvesting ripe fruit each year." Size: 4 to 5 feet tall by 3 to 4 feet wideCare requirements: Bright light; well-draining soil How to Grow a Fig Tree at Home for Endless Fresh Fruit—Indoors or Outside 05 of 05 Dwarf Cavendish Banana Tree Credit: Getty Images If you’re dreaming of tropical fruit and ornamental foliage, then dwarf bananas may be for you—though they can also be demanding. “They are quite vigorous growing plants but can be difficult to get to actually fruit,” Blaauw notes. They need 12 to 14 hours of bright light and prefer warm temperatures around 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Stokley also notes that bananas need long, frost-free periods—14 to 18 months to bear fruit, in fact. “To keep bananas actively growing through winter, supplemental heat and artificial lighting are essential,” he says. They are self-pollinating, however, so with proper lighting and warmth, dwarf bananas can produce fruit in an enclosed setting. Size: 2 to 4 feet tallCare requirements: Bright, indirect to direct light; consistently moist, well-draining soil Explore more: Garden