Buzz
Plums often come from hybrid trees, and it’s possible to grow a plum tree from its seed. Mike Powles / Getty ImagesImportant Highlights
- You can successfully grow a plum tree from a pit, though the fruit quality and tree traits may differ since many plums originate from hybrid varieties.
- Start by submerging the pit in water to check its viability (it should sink), then place it in a fridge with moist compost or peat moss for 6 to 8 weeks until it begins to sprout.
- Once sprouted, plant the pit in soil mixed with compost and safeguard it using hardware cloth to prevent animals from disturbing it. Transplant the sapling after a year if needed.
While it’s possible to grow a plum tree from a pit, remember that many plums are hybrids. A tree grown from such a pit may not bear fruit, or if it does, the fruit might not match the quality or flavor of the original plum whose pit was used [source: Do It Yourself].
With that in mind, here's a list of what you'll need to start growing a plum tree from a pit:
- A plum pit from your chosen variety (self-fertilizing varieties are preferable)
- Zip-lock bag
- Compost or peat moss
- Hardware cloth
Now, let’s get started on growing your plum tree:
- Submerge the pit in a bucket of water and check if it sinks or floats. If it floats, discard it. If it sinks, it's good to go.
- Dry the pit thoroughly, then place it in a zip-lock bag with compost or peat moss.
- Store the bag in the refrigerator, keeping the pit at around 40°F (4.4°C) for 6 to 8 weeks.
- After about 5 weeks, check the pit. Once it cracks and begins to sprout, remove it from the fridge.
- Prepare the planting soil by mixing two parts soil with one part compost. Ideally, do this a week before the pit is ready. If the pit hasn’t sprouted by week five, start preparing the soil then.
- Plant the pit 4 inches (10 cm) deep in the soil.
- Cover the area with hardware cloth to protect the pit until the sprout emerges, preventing animals from disturbing it.
- If needed, transplant the sapling to its permanent location after a year. Spring is the best time for transplantation [source: Garden Guides].
