Best Fruits for Partial Shade

Let’s face it, as much as we might all desire several acres of blazing sunlight to grow everything under the full face of the sun, many of us live in suburban or urban environments that present a challenge when we want to grow our own food.  

General guidelines advise that even shade-tolerant varieties will only produce enough berries to be worthwhile if grown in conditions with at least 4 hours of sunlight, so keep that in mind as you plan your space.  
 
The good news is, if you get a little creative with what you’re growing, you can have a fruitful and productive garden even with some shade. Here are some great options for your partial shade spots to produce fruit and beautiful blooms: 

Currants - Currant plants are easy-to-grow, compact shrubs that produce large clusters of edible berries.  They are shade tolerant, self-pollinating, and very cold hardy. Alternate Red and Black currants for a beautiful hedge. Our Red Lake and Black Consort Currant is praised by customers for being incredibly hardy and prolific producers.  

White Pineberry - These unique berries are shade tolerant and also make for a great ground cover. They’re often grown beneath fruit trees in permaculture guilds.  Plant alongside another strawberry variety to increase yields.  

Sweetheart Blueberry – Although not often found in shade-tolerant round-ups, because they won’t produce as much as they would in full sun, some Southern High Bush blueberries will still produce fruit in partial shade. This variety is self-pollinating but would benefit from multiple plants.  

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Goji Berries - If you’ve never grown a goji, these are fun and delicious, considered a “superfruit” for their nutritional benefit. Goji berries tolerate an array of growing conditions. The plants produce a valuable harvest you can freeze, dry or juice. You can’t pass up goji berries if you want to grow nutritious, easy food. The plants are self-fertile, but they’ll do best in a collection like the one linked here.  

Gooseberries - Another variety that is great for the shaded area of your garden is the Gooseberry. Gooseberries are related to currants, and, like currants, they are delicious in jams, jellies, and pies. These pale, round, translucent fruit grow on small shrubs. They thrive in well-drained with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Viking Aronia - While you can find these berries frozen as “superfoods” at Wholefoods, they’re incredibly easy to grow at home, and they’re spreading, ensuring you’ll have more than enough. This berry works to eat fresh or in smoothies, but also is known to make a good wine! 

Jostaberry - These are cold-hardy plants that are long-lived, thornless, and productive once established. Jostaberries are a cross between gooseberry and currant and produce in just 2 to 3 years.   

Elderberry - These plants have carefree beauty with an edible appeal. Elderberries will produce clusters of delicious, medicinal berries that aren’t affected by the presence of shade.  

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Pawpaw Trees- In the wild, Pawpaws grow as an understory tree, making it an ideal candidate for a large shade spot in your garden. Just keep in mind that these trees will grow 15 to 20 feet tall! The trees produce tropical-like fruit with unique and delicious vanilla or banana/mango flavors. The pawpaw is surprisingly uncommon despite its native status.

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We hope we have inspired you to fill your garden with edible fruits - even if you have some shade!