Duo & Family Fruit Trees

Family fruit trees are trees that feature several different varieties (usually three) grafted onto a single stem (or rootstock). Duo trees are the same, except they consist of just two varieties (hence the name).

The most common fruits grown as duo or family trees are pomes (apples, pears and quinces) and drupes (cherries, plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines). Usually, these trees feature varieties of the same fruit, but you can even have a tree that features different fruits from the same family (for instance, because apricots and peaches are both from the prunus family, they can be grown on the same tree).

Family and duo trees are split into two parts: the single rootstock and the multiple scions. The rootstock is what determines the tree’s overall vigour, with dwarfing, semi-dwarfing, semi-vigorous and vigorous options being available. The scions are the cuttings from the varieties you want to grow, and they are attached to the rootstock at the graft union. The various scions are grafted onto the rootstock, creating a single tree that features multiple varieties.

The varieties chosen for family and duo fruit trees are often done so for their ability to pollinate one another, in essence creating a tree that’s self-pollinating overall (even if its individual varieties aren’t). It’s worth checking on the varieties, though, as you may still need another viable pollinating partner nearby if your family/duo tree’s varieties aren’t able to pollinate one another.

The fruits may ripen concurrently, or they may ripen at different times of the year, providing a longer harvest season. You may, for example, have a family apple tree that comprises an early-, mid-, and late-season variety, or a duo tree whose two varieties ripen at the same time for a single bumper crop.

You don’t necessarily need a lot of space for a family/duo fruit tree, and in fact, they’re often relatively compact, making them ideal for gardeners who’d like their own orchard but who are more limited when it comes to available space.

Your tree’s pruning requirements will be the same as for that fruit more generally. We’ve got various comprehensive guides to pruning, including for apple, pear, cherry, plum and apricot trees.

Yes, you can grow a family/duo tree in a large pot or container – particularly those trees grown on a dwarfing rootstock. Make sure you choose a pot big enough for your tree’s roots to grow, and use a loam-based compost mix like John Innes No.3. Position it in full sun and be sure to water it regularly, particularly in hot and dry conditions throughout the growing season.

We’d recommend planting your family/duo fruit tree between late autumn and early spring, when the tree is in its dormant state, as this places less stress on the tree and helps better aid root establishment.

You can expect to see fruit on your duo or family tree between two to four years after planting. The more dwarfing the rootstock, the sooner your tree will bear fruit. Other factors, including how well your tree has established and the weather conditions, can also affect when your tree first produces fruit.