Fruit usually thrives best in sunny, warm and airy locations - only here do the fruits develop the color typical of the variety and their sweetness. The sun is indispensable for the formation of fructose. Such an ideal location is not available in every garden - small gardens in particular are often shaded for several hours a day. But delicious fruit grows here too - as long as you choose the right types and varieties.
Apple trees also thrive in light shade
Fruit species suitable for light shade
However, shade-tolerant still does not mean that the apple tree or berry bush can be in the shade all day - in this case you will not enjoy it for very long. Nevertheless, the fruit should get at least four to six hours of blazing sun every day - it doesn't really matter what time of day it is.
Apple
Apple trees should not be planted directly in a southern exposure anyway, as they require higher humidity than other types of fruit. A cooler, wetter northern location is therefore preferable - and a few hours of shade a day will not harm either the tree or the fruit. The pear, which needs warmth, has no place in the shade.
sour cherry
The variety name 'Schattenmorelle' says it all: The sour cherry is extremely frugal in terms of climate and soil. But the same applies here: the sunnier the tree or bush is, the better it grows and the more delicious the fruits taste. Therefore, do not plant the sour cherry on the north side of the house or under another large-crowned (and therefore shady) tree.
currants and gooseberries
Currants still thrive in semi-shade, but the tall stem or bush bears much more fruit in a sunny and airy location. The fruits are then more sugary, while in a slightly shady place they have a higher content of fruit acid. The same goes for gooseberries.
Blackberries and related hybrids
Blackberries are typical forest fruits that still bear fruit well in a light, semi-shady, sheltered location. Loganberries, boysenberries, Youngberries and Marionberries are related types of blackberries or hybrids of blackberries and raspberries. However, these need a sunnier place and, above all, one that is protected from frost, as they are significantly more sensitive than conventional blackberries.
tips
In some guides, kiwi plants and vines are listed as shade-tolerant. However, this is not correct, because the frost-sensitive kiwis need a warm and sunny place. Grapes, on the other hand, only become sweet when they get enough sunlight.