Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Harvesting the seed
• Part 2 of 3: Germinating the seed
• Part 3 of 3: Sowing the seed
• Tips
• Necessities

A plum is a type of drupe that bears its seed in a kernel in the core of the fruit. The seeds of most varieties can be harvested and go through a process called stratification. The seed, once germinated, can be sown outdoors or in a pot.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Harvesting the seed

1. Buy ripe plums in the market. Buy plums grown locally or in a similar climate to ensure they can grow in your hardiness zone. It is best not to use early-ripening varieties as the seeds develop less quickly in these varieties.
2. Eat the pulp of the plum. Choose the tastiest plums to plant, as plum seeds generally retain the characteristics of the mother plant very well.
3. Continue to remove the pulp until the pit is completely bare.
4. Place the wick on a windowsill for a few days to dry. The seed in the pit will dry and shrink, making it easier for you to absorb. The shell will also crack more easily when dry.
5. Take a little nutcracker. Place the wick horizontally between the two ends and gently break it.
   • Be careful not to crack too hard. A crushed seed cannot be planted.
6. Set the almond seed aside. This is what to germinate and plant.
7. Fill a glass with water. Drop the seed into it. If it sinks, you can germinate it, and if it floats, keep cracking seeds until you get your hands on a seed to use.

Part 2 of 3: Germinating the seed

1. Soak the seeds overnight in the glass of water you just filled. Use water that is at room temperature.
2. Fill two-thirds of a plastic bag or canning jar with enriched compost. Wet the soil so that it is moist, but not overly wet.
3. Put the seed or seeds in the compost and close the plastic bag or jar. Shake the bag or pot so that the seed penetrates deeper into the loose soil.
4. Set your fridge to about 4 ° C. Place the jar or bag in the refrigerator to start the stratification process. This cool germination process causes the seeds to sprout so that they can be planted and grow into a tree.

Part 3 of 3: Sowing the seed

1. Choose a spot in your garden to permanently plant plum trees there. It is recommended that you plant at least two trees so that cross-pollinated varieties bear fruit.
2. Choose a place that can be protected from frost. Choose a place that offers a little shelter and that you can mulch and cover to prevent frost - a killer of young plum trees. It should be in full sun.
3. Get plenty of well-draining soil and compost before planting. Adding soil will also help improve drainage.
4. Opt to plant it in a large pot to transplant later if you are unsure of where to plant the tree. It should be a deep pot with drainage holes.
5. Remove the seed from the pot or bag as soon as healthy white roots form. Be careful not to break these roots when transplanting.
6. Make a small hole a few inches deeper than the size of the roots. Make a small mound of soil in the center. Place the seed on top and spread the roots over the hill.
7. Ground the planted seed. Space the trees about 6 to 7.5 m apart.
8. Water the area and protect it well. Water it a lot before the soil dries out. The plum tree should begin to bear fruit in three to five years.

Tips

• There is no need to plant some varieties of plum in groups of two or more, as they do not require cross-pollination. Research the type of plum you want to plant to see if you should plant multiple trees at the same time.

Necessities

• Local ripe plums
• Glass of water
• Nutcracker
• Compost
• Plastic bag or sealable jar
• Water
• Refrigerator
• Soil
• Shovel
• Deep pot with good drainage