26 Fruits in Shade | Best Fruits that Grow in Shade

Fruits that Grow in Shade

While it’s difficult to grow fruits in the complete shade–there are some, like Guiana chestnut, which tolerate low light and full shade. However, most of the fruit trees and shrubs in this need at least partial shade to thrive and remain productive.

1. Apple

Botanical Name: Malus

USDA Zone: 3-9

It’s possible to grow apple trees even if you have limited space, not just for those who own large plots of land. If you live in central or northern areas, it’s best to plant apple trees during spring. It is one of the best Fruits to Grow in the Shade, but still, the sunnier, the better for apples.

Growing Tips:

Learn about growing apple trees in pots here

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2. Asian Pears

Botanical Name: Pyrus pyrifolia

USDA Zone: 5-9

Incorporating Asian pears into your edible garden can enhance its visual appeal since these dwarf trees boast pure white blooms in the spring. With numerous varieties available, it’s recommended that you sample the fruit before making a selection.

Growing Tips

Asian pears have some shade tolerance and can grow in various soil types, but they thrive in at least part sun and prefer well-draining soil.

3. Blueberries

Botanical Name: Vaccinium

USDA Zone: 3-7

Not only are shade-grown blueberries bursting with sweet and tangy flavor, but they’re also packed with antioxidants that can help keep your body healthy and strong. It is one of the best fruits to grow in partial shade.

Growing Tips

Learn How to Grow Blueberries in a Container here

4. Cherries

Botanical Name: Prunus

USDA Zone: 5-8

Shady plots are ideal for growing acid cherries, as these trees do not require long hours of sunlight to become sweet. They make a stunning sight when trained on a north-facing wall, adorned with their spring blossoms, glossy fruits, and vibrant autumn foliage.

Growing Tips

Plant cherry trees in fertile, well-drained soil and provide support for the branches as the trees grow.

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5. Currants

Botanical Name: Ribes

USDA Zone: 3-7

These plants can thrive in partially shaded areas and are suitable for both pot and ground cultivation. ‘Ben Connan’ and ‘Ben Hope’ are among the varieties known for their high productivity. It is one of the best Fruits in Shade.

Growing Tips

Make sure you use a well-draining growing medium. 

6. Grapes

Botanical Name: Vitis

USDA Zone: 5-9

It is feasible to cultivate grapes even if you lack a garden area with constant full sunlight exposure, provided that you plan and prepare ahead to optimize the yield.

Growing Tips

Learn all about growing grapes here

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7. Peaches

Botanical Name: Prunus persica

USDA Zone: 5-8

Peach trees are an excellent option for novice fruit tree growers because they are self-fruitful, eliminating the need for another tree’s presence to facilitate pollination. It is one of the best Fruits in Shade.

Growing Tips

A bit of morning sunlight exposure will do wonders for its growth.

8. Plums

Botanical Name: Prunus

USDA Zone: 5-9

These trees can be either dwarf or full-sized and are capable of producing small, oval-shaped fruits that come in shades of purple or red.

Growing Tips

Do not overwater the plant, and ensure to use a good quality potting mix.

9. Strawberries

Botanical Name: Fragaria vesca

USDA Zone: 3-10

Alpine or mountain strawberries are a diminutive variety of well-known fruit that can flourish in partial shade. ‘Alexandria’ and ‘Mignonette’ are the best variety for shade. It is one of the best Fruits in Shade.

Growing Tips

Learn everything about growing strawberries here

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10. Passionfruit

Botanical Name: Passiflora edulis

USDA Zone: 9-11

With its unique aroma and tangy taste, this fruit is perfect for cocktails, smoothies, or as a topping for your favorite desserts. The best part, it grows well in the lack of sunlight, even under the canopy of big trees.

Growing Tips

Passion fruit prefers full sun to partial shade. Grow it where the plant gets morning sun and some afternoon shade.

11. Hardy Kiwi

Botanical Name: Actinidia deliciosa

USDA Zone: 7-9

The hardy kiwi is a perennial vine that bears smaller versions of the well-known kiwifruit. This plant can endure cold weather and produces fruit during the autumn season. It is one of the best Fruits in Shade.

Growing Tips

Check out How To Grow Kiwi In a Pot here

12. Avocado

Botanical Name: Persea americana

USDA Zone: 9-11

While it is possible to cultivate an avocado tree in partial shade or as an indoor houseplant, it will only flourish and bear fruit if grown outdoors in a climate with ample sunlight and relatively warm temperatures.

Growing Tips

Exposure to a bit of morning sunlight every day will be good for fruiting.

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13. Meyer Lemon

Botanical Name: Citrus x meyeri

USDA Zone: 9-11

A citrus tree produces sweet, juicy fruit with a slightly tangy flavor. Meyer lemons are a popular ingredient in many recipes, and their fragrant blossoms can also be used in teas or as a natural air freshener. It is one of the best Fruits in Shade.

Growing Tips

Check out our article on growing a lemon tree in a container here

14. Pawpaw

Botanical Name: Asimina triloba

USDA Zone: 5-9

Savor the unique and tropical taste of shade-grown pawpaw – a fruit that’s both delicious and nutritious. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in pies, ice cream, or smoothies.

Growing Tips

It is capable of withstanding shade, but it produces the most fruits when grown in full sunlight, provided that it receives sufficient water and protection from strong winds. 

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15. Malabar Chestnut

Botanical Name: Pachira aquatica

USDA Zone: 9-12

The Malabar Chestnut tree is an evergreen tree that flourishes in sub-tropical climates. These trees can grow tall, but you can also cultivate them as potted bonsai trees and even as houseplants.

Growing Tips

Though it won’t mind being in the shade, a bit of sunlight exposure every once in a while will be good.

16. Fig

Botanical Name: Ficus carica

USDA Zone: 8-11

Growing fig trees can be a delightful experience in warm climates, but it is possible to cultivate them successfully in more temperate regions with some extra care in winter. Here are some guidelines on how to grow a fig tree in your garden!

Growing Tips

Here’s everything about growing figs in pots

17. Loquat

Botanical Name: Eriobotrya japonica

USDA Zone: 7-10

The attractive, evergreen foliage and fragrant blooms make it a popular fruit to grow in the shade in this list. But make sure it gets plenty of sunlight for the best growth.

Growing Tips

Loquat trees thrive in full sun, but they can also tolerate some shade. However, it is essential to note that partial shade can result in reduced flower and fruit production.

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18. Papaya

Botanical Name: Carica papaya

USDA Zone: 9-11

Papayas are tropical fruit trees that can tolerate shade. They produce large, sweet fruit that is high in vitamins and minerals.

Growing Tip

Check out our article on growing Papaya here

19. Fruit Salad Plant

Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa

USDA Zone: 10-12

This fruit is covered in green tiles and has a corn-like shape. The cream flowers of the plant require warm or tropical conditions to grow, and they only develop when the plant has matured.

Growing Tips

The optimal conditions for growing this plant include warm and humid environments with partial shade.

Check out the Different Types of Watermelons You Can Grow here

20. Barbados or Acerola Cherry

Botanical Name: Malpighia glabra

USDA Zone: 9-11

Acerola cherry offers small, bright red, berry-sized fruits that look like common cherries. Use a well-draining growing medium to ensure it fruits well.

Growing Tips:

It prefers well-draining soil and moderate moisture levels.

21. Banana

Botanical Name: Musa

USDA Zone: 9-11

Bananas are a great option for anyone who has limited space, as they are super easy to grow in, even in big containers. It is one of the best Fruits to grow in partial shade.

Growing Tips:

Here’s all you need to know about growing bananas

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22. Mulberry

Botanical Name: Morus

USDA Zone: 5-9

With low upkeep requirements once matured, these trees yield delectable and richly flavored berries available in a range of hues.

Growing Tips

Here’s all about growing Mulberry

23. Jackfruit

Botanical Name: Artocarpus heterophyllus

USDA Zone: 9-11

The fruit is sweet and flavorful, with a texture similar to pulled pork. Every part of the jackfruit tree has a use, from the wood for building to the leaves for wrapping food. It is one of the best Fruits in Shade.

Growing Tips:

Learn How to Grow Jackfruit here

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24. Starfruit

Botanical Name: Averrhoa carambola

USDA Zone: 9-11

This exotic fruit has a distinctive star shape when sliced, with a tart, tangy flavor that is perfect for salads, cocktails, and desserts. This evergreen tree, with glossy leaves and delicate, fragrant flowers, attract bees and other pollinators.

Growing Tips

Learn How to Grow Starfruit here

25. Cacao Tree

Botanical Name: Theobroma cacao

USDA Zone: 9-12

The cacao tree produces cocoa beans, and you can easily grow it in the shaded portion of your garden.

Growing Tips

Provide protection from winds and shade from taller trees. 

Check out our article on the best chocolate-scented flowers here

26. Cashew Apple

Botanical Name: Anacardium occidentale

USDA Zone: 10-11

While the nut is the most famous part of the cashew tree, the fruit it produces is also a tasty treat. The cashew apple is juicy and sweet, with a flavor similar to a cross between an apple and a pear.

Growing Tips

Learn about growing cashew trees here