How to Plant Plum Trees from Seeds

Plenty of people enjoy growing fruit trees in their gardens, and plum trees are a popular choice. While many people buy established trees from nurseries, it's also possible to plant plum trees from seeds. While it takes a little more patience and time, if you do it right, you could end up with a beautiful plum tree that you've grown yourself. Here's how to do it.

Gather Your Seeds

The first step is to find good-quality plum seeds to plant. You'll need to choose plums that are fresh and full-grown, and fully ripe. They should be juicy and sweet, and free of any signs of decay. Once you've got your fruit, simply remove the seeds and wash them with water to remove any pulp or residue.

Prepare the Soil

Next, you'll need to prepare the soil. Plum trees prefer well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. If you're not sure what your soil's pH level is, you can buy a soil testing kit at a garden center. Once you know the pH level, you can adjust it by adding acidic or alkaline materials. You'll also want to add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil and improve drainage.

Plant the Seeds

Now it's time to plant the seeds. First, soak them in water for several hours, or overnight. This will help them germinate faster. Then, plant the seeds about an inch deep in the soil, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Make sure each seed is covered with soil, and then water them well.

Care for Your Plum Trees

Once your plum seeds are planted, you'll need to take care of them to ensure they grow into healthy trees. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. If the soil is too wet, it can cause the seeds to rot. You'll also need to keep the soil weed-free and prune the trees as they grow to encourage good growth. Fertilize the trees occasionally with a balanced fertilizer, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Final Thoughts

Planting plum trees from seeds requires a little more effort than buying an established tree, but it can be a rewarding process. With some care and patience, you could end up with a beautiful and productive fruit tree that you've grown from scratch. Happy planting!