How to grow a plum tree from a plum – start now for future yields

Growing a plum tree from a seed is a rewarding project that can yield fruit for many years. Though it requires patience, the process is relatively simple and can be done with a few household items. By following the right steps, you can transform a store-bought plum into a thriving tree. Here’s a guide on how to grow a plum tree from a plum and ensure future fruit harvests.

1. Selecting the Right Plum

The journey starts with choosing a suitable plum. Not all plums will work, so it’s essential to select one that’s viable for growing in your region. The variety you pick should be well-suited to the climate you live in to ensure a higher success rate. When picking the plum, opt for organic varieties if possible, as many commercially grown plums are treated with chemicals that may hinder seed germination. It’s also worth noting that some supermarket plums come from hybrid trees, which might not produce the same type of fruit from their seeds.

2. Preparing the Plum Seed (Pit)

Once you’ve enjoyed eating the fruit, the next step is to prepare the seed or pit. Carefully remove the pit from the plum and wash off any flesh that remains. Let the pit dry for a day or two in a cool, dry place. This helps in making the outer shell easier to crack.

To improve germination chances, you’ll need to break open the pit and extract the seed inside. You can do this by gently cracking the pit with a hammer or nutcracker. Be cautious while doing this to avoid damaging the seed within. This step isn’t absolutely necessary but does speed up the process.

3. Stratification: Mimicking Nature’s Winter

Plum seeds need a period of cold stratification to mimic winter conditions. This process can be done at home by placing the seed in a moist medium and refrigerating it for a few months. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wrap the seed in a damp paper towel or place it in a plastic bag filled with moist peat moss or sand.
2. Seal the plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay there for about 6 to 8 weeks, ensuring the temperature remains between 34-40°F (1-4°C). This cold period triggers germination.

During this time, check the bag regularly to ensure the medium stays moist but not waterlogged. After 6 to 8 weeks, you might notice the seed starting to sprout. This is a sign that it’s ready to be planted.

4. Planting the Plum Seed

Once the seed has sprouted, it’s time to plant it. Choose a small pot with good drainage to start. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix that’s rich in organic matter. Make a small hole about 1 to 2 inches deep and place the seed in the hole with the sprouted end pointing down.

Cover the seed with soil, water it lightly, and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not too wet, as overwatering can cause the seed to rot.

The seedling should begin to emerge in a few weeks. Once it reaches about 6 inches in height, it’s strong enough to be transplanted into a larger pot or, if the weather permits, into your garden.

5. Transplanting Outdoors

When the seedling is big enough and the weather is warm (spring or early summer is ideal), it’s time to move the young plum tree to its permanent location outdoors. Plum trees need plenty of sunlight, so pick a sunny spot in your yard with well-draining soil.

Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in some compost or organic matter. Dig a hole slightly larger than the pot the tree is currently in, and carefully place the tree into the hole, covering the roots with soil. Water the tree thoroughly after planting.

Be mindful of spacing. If you’re planting more than one plum tree, space them at least 15 to 20 feet apart to give their roots room to spread and ensure they don’t compete for sunlight or nutrients.

6. Caring for Your Plum Tree

Once your plum tree is in the ground, it’s essential to care for it properly to encourage healthy growth. Here are a few basic care tips:

• Watering: Keep the soil moist, especially in the early stages of growth. As the tree matures, it will need less frequent watering, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
• Fertilizing: Plum trees benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring and again in midsummer. This will give them the nutrients they need to thrive.
• Pruning: Pruning is necessary to shape the tree and remove any dead or damaged branches. This helps the tree focus its energy on producing healthy, robust fruit. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and caterpillars, as well as diseases like brown rot. Regularly inspect your tree and take action if you notice any signs of infestation or disease.

7. Patience and Waiting for Fruit

Growing a plum tree from seed is a slow process. You won’t see fruit for a few years—typically between 3 to 6 years, depending on the variety and growing conditions. However, once the tree matures, it can produce an abundant harvest year after year.

Plum trees are often self-pollinating, meaning they don’t require a second tree to produce fruit. However, having multiple plum trees nearby can increase pollination rates and improve fruit production. If you’re growing just one tree, it will still likely bear fruit, but planting another variety nearby could enhance the yield.

Conclusion

Growing a plum tree from a seed requires time and dedication, but the results are well worth the effort. By carefully selecting a plum, preparing the seed, and providing proper care, you can enjoy homegrown plums in a few years. Each stage of the process—from seed stratification to planting and nurturing the tree—brings you closer to the satisfaction of picking fresh plums from your very own tree.