How to Plant a Plum Seed
Purchase ripe plums from a market stall., Eat the flesh off the plum., Continue to remove all the flesh so that the pit looks bare. , Set the pit out on a windowsill for a few days to dry., Take a small nutcracker., Set the almond-like seed off to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Purchase ripe plums from a market stall.
Buy plums that were grown locally or in a similar climate, so that you ensure it will grow in your hardiness zone.
It is best not to use early-maturing varieties, because the seeds are less likely to develop in these types. -
Step 2: Eat the flesh off the plum.
Choose the tastiest one to try to plant, since plum seeds often carry on the traits of a parent plant very well. ,, The seed inside the pit will dry and shrink away, and you will be able to save it more easily.
The shell will also crack more easily when dried., Place the pit horizontally between the two ends.
Crack it gently.
Take care not to crack too hard.
A smashed seed can’t be planted. , This is what you need to sprout and plant. , Drop your seed into it.
If it sinks, you can germinate it, and if it floats, you should continue cracking pits until you get a viable seed., Use room temperature water. , Wet the soil so that it is moist, but not overly wet. , Shake the container so that the seed moves deeper into the loose soil. , Place the jar or bag in the refrigerator to start the stratification process.
This cool, sprouting process germinates the seeds so that they can be planted and grown into a tree. , It is recommended that you plant at least two trees so that cross-pollinating varieties will come to fruit. , Choose a slightly sheltered place that you can mulch and cover to avoid frost—a killer of young plum trees.
It will need to be in full sun. , Adding soil will also help it drain better. , It should be a deep pot with drainage holes. , Take care not to break these roots when transplanting. , Create a small mound of soil in the center.
Place the seed atop it and spread the roots around the mound. , Space your trees about 20 to 25 feet (6 to
7.6m) apart., Water deeply before the ground dries out.
Your plum tree should start bearing fruit in three to five years. -
Step 3: Continue to remove all the flesh so that the pit looks bare.
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Step 4: Set the pit out on a windowsill for a few days to dry.
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Step 5: Take a small nutcracker.
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Step 6: Set the almond-like seed off to the side.
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Step 7: Fill a glass of water.
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Step 8: Soak the seeds overnight in the glass of water that you just filled.
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Step 9: Fill a plastic bag or a canning jar two-thirds full of rich compost.
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Step 10: Place the seed or seeds inside the compost and seal the plastic bag or jar.
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Step 11: Turn your refrigerator to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius).
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Step 12: Choose a permanent place in your yard to plant your plum trees.
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Step 13: Pick a place that can be frost protected.
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Step 14: Bring in plenty of well-drained soil and compost before you plant.
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Step 15: Opt to plant in a large pot and transplant later of if you are unsure where to plant the tree.
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Step 16: Remove the seed from the jar or bag once healthy
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Step 17: white roots form.
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Step 18: Dig a small hole that is a few inches deeper than the roots.
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Step 19: Cover the planted seed with soil.
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Step 20: Water the space and protect it well.
Detailed Guide
Buy plums that were grown locally or in a similar climate, so that you ensure it will grow in your hardiness zone.
It is best not to use early-maturing varieties, because the seeds are less likely to develop in these types.
Choose the tastiest one to try to plant, since plum seeds often carry on the traits of a parent plant very well. ,, The seed inside the pit will dry and shrink away, and you will be able to save it more easily.
The shell will also crack more easily when dried., Place the pit horizontally between the two ends.
Crack it gently.
Take care not to crack too hard.
A smashed seed can’t be planted. , This is what you need to sprout and plant. , Drop your seed into it.
If it sinks, you can germinate it, and if it floats, you should continue cracking pits until you get a viable seed., Use room temperature water. , Wet the soil so that it is moist, but not overly wet. , Shake the container so that the seed moves deeper into the loose soil. , Place the jar or bag in the refrigerator to start the stratification process.
This cool, sprouting process germinates the seeds so that they can be planted and grown into a tree. , It is recommended that you plant at least two trees so that cross-pollinating varieties will come to fruit. , Choose a slightly sheltered place that you can mulch and cover to avoid frost—a killer of young plum trees.
It will need to be in full sun. , Adding soil will also help it drain better. , It should be a deep pot with drainage holes. , Take care not to break these roots when transplanting. , Create a small mound of soil in the center.
Place the seed atop it and spread the roots around the mound. , Space your trees about 20 to 25 feet (6 to
7.6m) apart., Water deeply before the ground dries out.
Your plum tree should start bearing fruit in three to five years.
About the Author
Lisa Fisher
A passionate writer with expertise in organization topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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