Ontario isn’t exactly tropical — but don’t let that stop you from growing your own fruits at home. With the right varieties and a little know-how, your backyard, balcony, or even windowsill can become a mini orchard.
Whether you're aiming to save money on groceries, reduce your carbon footprint, or just bite into a sun-warmed raspberry straight from the bush — these 9 fruits can thrive right here at home.
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1. Strawberries - Easiest fruit to start with.
If you want to grow fruits at home, strawberries are one of the easiest. That's because they grow well in containers, hanging baskets, raised beds — you name it. June-bearing varieties like ‘Honeoye’ or everbearing types like ‘Seascape’ are popular in Ontario. Just give them lots of sun and well-drained soil. Bonus: they come back year after year.
Best for: Small spaces, beginners, kids
Tip: Snip runners (the long vine-like shoots) to keep plants productive.
2. Raspberries - High reward, low maintenance.
These hardy canes love Ontario’s climate and produce for years once established. Choose between summer-bearing and everbearing varieties. They do need room to spread, so give them a dedicated patch or large planter.
Best for: Fences, sunny back corners
Tip: Prune them annually — it keeps growth under control and fruit yields up.
3. Apples - Yes, even in small yards.
Dwarf apple trees are perfect for urban gardens and can even grow in large pots. Look for cold-hardy varieties like ‘Macintosh’, ‘Liberty’, or ‘Honeycrisp’. Just make sure you plant at least two compatible types for cross-pollination (unless you buy a self-pollinating tree).
Best for: Homeowners with some yard space
Tip: Most apples need full sun and 6+ hours of light daily.
4. Pears - Crisp, juicy, and surprisingly easy.
Next on our list of the best fruits to grow at home is pears.
Like apples, pears come in dwarf varieties and prefer well-drained soil and full sun. ‘Bartlett’ and ‘Bosc’ do well in southern and central Ontario. You’ll usually need two different cultivars for pollination.
Best for: Hobby gardeners with patience
Tip: They often take 3–5 years to produce — but are worth the wait.
5. Cherries - Sweet or tart, you’ve got options.
Sour cherries (like ‘Montmorency’) are better suited to Ontario’s climate than sweet ones, though cold-hardy sweet cherry varieties like ‘Stella’ are also gaining popularity. Birds love them, so netting might be needed.
Best for: Sunny spots with good drainage
Tip: Some varieties are self-pollinating, making things easier.
6. Blueberries - A superfood you eat right from the bush.
Blueberries need acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5), which Ontario’s native soil usually lacks — but you can fix that with amendments or by growing them in pots with the right mix. Highbush varieties like ‘Northland’ or ‘Patriot’ are winter-hardy and productive.
Best for: Containers, raised beds
Tip: Plant two different varieties for better yields.
7. Grapes - Vines that give you shade and snacks.
Grapevines love hot, sunny spots and can be trained along fences or pergolas. Hardy varieties like ‘Concord’ and ‘Somerset’ do well in Ontario and can survive harsh winters once established.
Best for: Backyard trellises or DIY arbors
Tip: Prune aggressively — grapevines need structure and airflow to thrive.
8. Plums - Juicy, fragrant, and fast to fruit.
Plums are another stone fruit that can handle Ontario’s climate — especially European varieties like ‘Mount Royal’ or ‘Stanley’. Japanese plums can also work in warmer areas. Most need a second tree for pollination.
Best for: Backyard growers
Tip: Keep an eye out for pests like plum curculio — and act early.
9. Figs - Yes, figs! Even here.
Figs may sound exotic, but hardy varieties like ‘Chicago Hardy’ can survive in Ontario with some winter protection. Grow them in large pots and bring them into a cool garage or basement in winter. No pollination tricks required — most varieties are self-fruiting.
Best for: Container gardeners and experimental types
Tip: Keep them well-watered in summer, and don’t panic if they drop leaves in winter — it’s normal.
Don’t Let the Climate Fool You
Ontario may not be the Mediterranean, but it offers surprisingly great conditions to grow fruits at home — especially if you choose cold-hardy varieties and give them the TLC they need. Whether you’re starting with a windowsill strawberry planter or planting a full orchard in your yard, homegrown fruit is doable, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
Ready to get planting?
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