How to Plant a Plum Tree from Seeds

What could be more rewarding than growing a fruit tree from scratch? Plum trees not only offer delicious, juicy plums to harvest, but they can also add ornamental value to your garden. Propagating plum trees from seeds can be a fascinating and fun gardening project to undertake. Here's how you can grow your own plum tree from seeds.

Gather the Plum Seeds

The first step to growing a plum tree from seeds is to gather plum seeds. After tasting and enjoying some plums, use a knife to cut around the pit of each plum so that the seed can be extracted. Don't throw the seeds away, as you'll need them for planting.

Prepare the Seeds for Planting

Wash the seeds with water to remove the flesh from them. After that, fill a container with water and submerge the seeds in it. Keep the seeds in the water for around 24-48 hours, or until they have completely immersed and sunk to the bottom of the container. This soaking process will help to remove any remaining flesh from the seeds and to activate the embryo inside.

Sow the Seeds

Next, it's time to plant the seeds. Take a small container with drainage holes, such as a plastic cup or a clay pot, and fill it with a soil mix that's moist and airy. The soil should not be too wet, as it can cause the seeds to rot. Make a hole in the soil and place the seed vertically with the pointed end down, around an inch deep. Cover the seed with soil, and press it down gently so that it's in good contact with the soil.

Provide Optimal Growing Conditions

Place your container in a warm, bright spot where it can receive plenty of sunlight, such as a windowsill or a greenhouse. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Depending on the temperature and the variety of plum, the seed will germinate in 3-6 weeks, so be patient. Once it sprouts, move the plant to a larger pot or outside, if the weather allows. Plum trees prefer well-draining soil and ample sunlight. Water the tree regularly, especially during hot or dry weather, and fertilize it several times a year with an all-purpose fruit tree fertilizer.

Conclusion

Planting a plum tree from seeds can take some time and patience, but it's a satisfying and cost-effective way to enjoy juicy plums and to create a beautiful landscape. With the proper planting and care, your plum tree will grow into a fruitful and attractive addition to your garden!