Mesquite trees are hardy desert dwellers that are most famous for their smoky barbecue flavor. They’re very nice and reliable to have around in arid, desert climates. Can mesquite trees grow in containers? Keep reading to find out if growing mesquite in a container is possible.
Can Mesquite Trees Grow in Containers?
The short answer is, not really. One of the major reasons that these trees are able to survive in the desert is their extremely deep root system, with a particularly long and fast-growing tap root. If allowed to get to any size in a pot, the roots of container grown mesquite trees will start to grow around themselves, eventually strangling the tree.
Growing Mesquite in a Container
If you have an adequately deep container (at least 15 gallons), it’s possible to keep a mesquite tree in a pot for a couple of years. After all, this is usually how they’re sold by nurseries. Particularly if you’re growing a mesquite tree from seed, it’s feasible to keep it in a container for the first several years of its life as it establishes itself. It’s important, however, to get it into a very large container quickly, as it puts down a long tap root especially early. The tree won’t grow as tall or as vigorously as it would in the ground, but it will remain healthy for some time. Growing a mesquite in a container all the way to maturity, however, it just not really feasible. It will have to be planted out eventually, or else it runs the risk of becoming completely root bound and dying.
-
Grow Rubber Rabbitbrush For Native Color: Cultivate Pollinator-Friendly Chamisa ShrubsHardy chamisa shrubs thrive in tricky arid spots and provide a welcome boost to pollinators – as well as a burst of vibrant yellow. Here’s how to grow rubber rabbitbrush in your yard
-
Christmas Cactus Watering Guide: How Often To Water Plants For Better BloomsDiscover how often to water a Christmas cactus, how much, and how to avoid under and overwatering for healthy plants that flower reliably over the holidays.
-
Signs Of Mesquite Sickness – Recognizing Mesquite Tree DiseasesMesquite trees are attractive and drought tolerant, and a standard part of xeriscape plantings. Sometimes, though, these tolerant trees exhibit signs of mesquite sickness. Click here for information about diseases of mesquite trees and how to recognize them.
-
Screwbean Mesquite Info: Tips For Screwbean Mesquite CareThe screwbean mesquite is a small tree or shrub native to southern California. It sets itself apart from its traditional mesquite cousin with its attractive, corkscrew-shaped bean pods that appear in the summer. Learn more screwbean mesquite info in this article.
-
Mesquite Pest Solutions – How To Deal With Pests Of Mesquite TreesMesquite trees are an excellent choice for a tough landscape tree that requires very little input once established. Even so, you'll want to monitor them for insect infestations from time to time. If you see any, you'll know what to do after reading this article.
-
Are Mesquite Trees Edible: Learn About Mesquite Pod UsesIf someone were to mention "mesquite" to me, my thoughts immediately turn to the mesquite wood used for grilling and barbecuing. But is there more to mesquite beyond the grill? Can you eat mesquite? Are mesquite trees edible?" Click here to find out.
-
Moving Mesquite Trees – Is Transplanting A Mesquite Tree PossibleWhere other trees may wilt and dehydrate, mesquite trees draw moisture from the cool depths of the earth and gracefully ride out the dry spell. However, this deep taproot can make transplanting a mesquite tree quite difficult. Click here for tips on moving mesquite trees.
-
Mesquite Tree Uses – What Can Mesquite Be Used ForOf mesquite, many of us only know about the slow burning wood that makes for a great barbeque. That?s only the tip of the iceberg, though. What else can mesquite be used for? Mesquite tree uses are many and varied. Learn more about these uses here.
-
Mesquite Cutting Propagation : Can You Grow Mesquite From CuttingsMesquite plants make attractive specimens in the garden. Can you grow mesquite from cuttings? Absolutely. You will just need a little info on how to root mesquite cuttings and when and where to harvest your material. This article will help with that.
-
Sowing Mesquite Seeds: How And When To Plant Mesquite SeedsGrowing mesquite from seeds found in the wild is a fun way to enjoy these plants for free. However, mesquite seed germination can be capricious and requires several steps for success. Click on this article for further info on how to grow mesquite trees from seed.
