Fruit Trees in Portugal

  Gardening Terminology & Words in Portuguese

  Plants with Healing Properties

Portugal's temperate climate makes it an ideal country for growing fruit trees and having your very own orchard is something many of us dream about. Whether you purchase a property in Portugal with a variety of mature fruit trees or set about planting your own the end result will be a basket and freezer full of vitamin rich produce each year.

Below are a selection of fruit trees which flourish in Portugal with handy planting tips to ensure your young saplings don't die off. In Portugal you can purchase just about any type of fruit tree from the many garden centres, nurseries and local markets. The cost of fruit trees does depend upon their maturity and size, though saplings can be purchased for as little as 3€. Large, more mature trees can be expensive with 10 year old orange trees costing upwards of 100€.

* For information on orange and lemon trees, please see Citrus trees

The apple tree is one of the most widely cultivated fruit trees in the world and there are a host of varieties. The apple tree is deciduous and grows to up to 12 metres in height.

The apple tree blossoms in spring at the same time as the leaves start to bud. The apple blossom is white with a pink tinge. Apple trees are best cultivated in well-drained loamy soil, but have adapted to grow around the world in a variety of different soils.

The Cherry tree has two main varieties - sweet (Prunus Avium) and sour (Prunus cerasus). It is a deciduous trees, growing to an average of 15-30 metres in height. Blossoming in early spring, the fruit is ready to be harvested usually by late August early September. Varying sub-varieties of cherry tree produce, deep red, bright red and white fruit.

The cherry tree prefers well-drained light soil and a good exposure to the sun, in a sheltered position. Cherry trees can be prone to aphids and encouraging ladybirds to thrive in your garden is a good way to keep this pests at bay. By planting wild flowers at the base of your cherry tree this will help create the environment a ladybird thrives upon.

Fig Trees (Ficus Carica) Figueira

The Fig is a deciduous tree found all over Portugal. The are many varieties of fig trees, however the most common edible fig is the Fiscus Carica. Fig trees can grow up to 50 metres tall, but more likely to be around 10-30 metres in height.

The Fig trees like well-drained areas and sunny areas. If a fig tree is not receiving enough water the leaves will turn yellow and drop.

The evergreen Loquat trees were introduced to Portugal from China and can grow up to 10 metres in height. Loquat trees are easy to grow, preferring soils of moderate fertility from light sandy loam to heavy clay, though good drainage is essential as the Loquat does not tolerate standing water.

Where the climate is too cool or the ground too moist the tree will be ornamental and not bear fruit. Loquats are best grown in full sun and are wind tolerant.

The Kiwi tree was introduced to Portugal from China. Kiwi trees like moderately sunny positions, but can tolerate shaded areas with acidic soil.

Kiwi trees should be planted in well-drained areas and watered constantly, especially during the summer months. Kiwi trees can be trained like a vine or as an ornamental. Harvest is around late October to early November, when the seeds of the fruit have turned black.

The Peach tree is a deciduous tree which was brought to Portugal from China. Peach trees can grow up to 12 metres in height and prefer sunnier climates.

Peach trees are prone to the fungus Taphrina deformans which causes Peach leaf curl. The fungus grows in cracks in the tree bark, then when the leaves begin to grow it attacks.

Pear trees are cultivated widely around the world and can grow up to 17 metres in height. The majority of pear trees are deciduous and prefer light, sandy soil.

Pear trees are deep rooting and as such are not adept at growing in containers. Best grown in orchards, or stand alone in a good, sunny position. If growing pear trees for fruit you will need to have at least two trees to ensure fertilisation of the flowers.

The fruit of the Persimmon tree was known by the ancient Greeks as 'the fruit of the gods'. The fruit is also known as the Sharon Fruit.

Persimmon trees can withstand a range of conditions, but do best in deep, not overly salty soil, in full sun. Exposure to some wind for air movement will also help the development of the tree.

The Persimmon can withstand drought conditions but the fruit will be large and juicy with regular irrigation. In extreme drought conditions the tree's leaves will drop and the fruit is liable to sunburn.

Plums trees can grow up to four metres in height and require very little maintenance.

Nectarines, like peaches are prone to Leaf Curl and the fruit can develop Brown rot.

The Pomegranate is originally from south west Asia, but is widely grown throughout Portugal. The Pomegranate is a small, branched tree growing to around six metres in height.

The pomegranate is a deciduous tree and are drought tolerant and can tolerate chillier temperatures. However for best fruit production they should be irrigated every two weeks. Pomegranates are best grown in fertile, well drained soil with a good exposure to the sun.

The pomegranate's name drives from the Latin pommum (apple) granatus (seeded). In higher altitudes the pomegranate does not bear fruit.

Harvesting of the fruit usually takes place in October or early November, however to check, tap the fruit and if there is a metallic sound, the fruit is ripe and ready for picking.

Quince trees are deciduous and produce a pear shaped fruit, which is a little more tart in flavour than an apple. Originally from China, Quince trees are popular in Portugal and the fruit is mainly used to make jelly and a marmalade like jam - marmalada.

Quince trees are hardy and tend to grow in a bushy, twisted fashion. A shallow rooting tree and grow best in temperate climates with moist soil.

The Strawberry tree is evergreen and grows naturally in woods and thickets. Preferring dry rocky places. Strawberry trees can grow up to 12 metres in height.

The strawberry tree grows well in limy soils and is best planted in sheltered positions and has adapted well to dry summers. The fruit of the strawberry tree has a rough texture and to some people is can have a bland taste. In Portugal the fruit of the strawberry tree is used for making jam and Medronho, a type of strong liqueur.