How to Plant a Plum Seed (with Pictures)

Table of contents:

How to Plant a Plum Seed (with Pictures)
How to Plant a Plum Seed (with Pictures)
Anonim

The plum is a drupe whose seed is inside the stone that is found in the core of the fruit. You can harvest seeds from most plum varieties you find on the market and subject them to a process called "layering". Once germinated, you can transfer them to the garden or into a pot.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Collect the Seed

Plant a Plum Seed Step 1
Plant a Plum Seed Step 1

Step 1. Buy ripe plums at the market

Choose those that are grown in your area or in a similar climate, to make sure they withstand the environmental conditions in which you live; it is better to avoid early varieties because it is difficult for the seeds to develop into plants with similar characteristics.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 2
Plant a Plum Seed Step 2

Step 2. Eat the pulp

Choose the tastiest fruit and plant the seed, because generally the "child" tree tends to keep the "maternal" traits.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 3
Plant a Plum Seed Step 3

Step 3. Remove all of the pulp until the pit looks completely clean

Plant a Plum Seed Step 4
Plant a Plum Seed Step 4

Step 4. Display it on the windowsill for a few days

The seed inside dries and shrinks a little, facilitating the conservation process; in addition, the shell breaks more easily when it is dry.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 5
Plant a Plum Seed Step 5

Step 5. Get a little nutcracker

Place the core horizontally between the two ends of the tool and gently break it apart.

Be careful not to press too hard; a crushed seed produces no plants

Plant a Plum Seed Step 6
Plant a Plum Seed Step 6

Step 6. Extract the seed which has an almond-like appearance

This is the element you need to bury in order for it to germinate.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 7
Plant a Plum Seed Step 7

Step 7. Fill a glass of water

Drop the seed on us; if it sinks, you can try to make it sprout; if not, try another pit until you find a suitable seed.

Part 2 of 3: Germinating the Seed

Plant a Plum Seed Step 8
Plant a Plum Seed Step 8

Step 1. Leave it to soak overnight in the glass of water

For this operation choose water at room temperature.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 9
Plant a Plum Seed Step 9

Step 2. Fill a plastic bag or airtight jar 2/3 full with compost-rich soil

Moisten the earth but don't overdo it.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 10
Plant a Plum Seed Step 10

Step 3. Place the seeds or seed in the compost and seal the container

Shake it so that the seeds penetrate deep into the loose soil.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 11
Plant a Plum Seed Step 11

Step 4. Set the refrigerator temperature to about 4 ° C

Put the container back inside to begin the layering process. This cold germination technique allows the seeds to develop roots, so they can be transplanted into the garden and become trees.

Part 3 of 3: Planting the Seeds

Plant a Plum Seed Step 12
Plant a Plum Seed Step 12

Step 1. Choose the final location for the plum trees

It is advisable to plant at least two trees, so that they can pollinate each other and bear fruit.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 13
Plant a Plum Seed Step 13

Step 2. Opt for a frost-free area

It must be slightly sheltered, a surface that you can mulch and cover to avoid frost that would kill the seedlings; they must also be exposed in full sun.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 14
Plant a Plum Seed Step 14

Step 3. Get plenty of well-draining potting soil and compost before burying trees

Adding the earth allows the water to drain better.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 15
Plant a Plum Seed Step 15

Step 4. Consider planting plums in large pots and relocating them later if you are unsure of the best location

Be sure to use deep vessels with drainage holes.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 16
Plant a Plum Seed Step 16

Step 5. Remove the seeds from the jar or bag when they have developed white, healthy roots

Be careful not to break them during the transfer.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 17
Plant a Plum Seed Step 17

Step 6. Dig a small hole a few inches deeper than the roots

Create a small mound of soil in the center and place the seed on it, taking care to distribute the root system all around.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 18
Plant a Plum Seed Step 18

Step 7. Cover the seed with more potting soil

Space future trees about 6-8m from each other.

Plant a Plum Seed Step 19
Plant a Plum Seed Step 19

Step 8. Water the earth and protect it

Wet the soil thoroughly before it dries completely; plums should start fruiting in 3-5 years.

Recommended: