How Do You Germinate Any Fruit Tree?

The last 12 months I've had an urge to grow Fruit %26amp; Veg' from seed. I germinated a mango tree that was not native to my area %26amp; suceeded. as I'm still learning, every fruit that has seed I want to grow.



I have a theory about germinating Fruit seeds that have an exterior hard shell which has a kernel inside.



I believe the seed itself must be taken out of the hard shell and then planted in a pot with seed raising mixture (bought from Big W or K-Mart), place the seed an inch below the surface, watered well and placed in a hothouse (easily purchased for around $30.00), leaving the pot but checking the moisture level each day by sticking your finger inside the edge of the pots' soil. My experience with seeds tells me that they only germinate under moist warm conditions.



Only yesterday I've taken 4 of the 60 cherry seeds I have and did just as I said previously. I'm hoping the results will be the same as the Mangos I've grown. Is this the way to do all fruit seeds?

How Do You Germinate Any Fruit Tree?
You don't need to remove the hard shell. As a matter of fact, you're more likely to damage it if you do so. To speed things along, you can nick the outter shell, and soak it in water 24 hours before planting.



Mango seed have germinated on their own for me just by being in moist soil in a warm room. Orange and cherry seeds my daughter has grown into trees by just pushing them into a pot on a windowsill, and then keeping it moist through the germination period. No nicking, no soaking, soil retrieved from the garden outside. Easy.



You don't need anything expensive or fancy-pants if you have a sunny window available.
Reply:Each plant type has varying germination needs, and it's worth researching each of your potential fruit trees, to check on their requirements first. This could save you some wasted seeds and effort.



Some seeds are better if cold stratified first, for a period, others don't need this. As mentioned elsewhere, some benefit from their hard exteriors being chipped. Temperature and humidity requirements also differ widely.



A method I use alot is to soak for 24-46 hours in warm water, changing it frequently. I also use a weak bleach solution, to discourage mould, rotting etc (rinse thoroughly afterwards of course).



Many of my seeds I then add to either vermiculite or perlite (both are sterile growing mediums that absorb some water, but also allow air to circulate), and place into a sealed container, such as a small food plastic container, and place into the ideal temperature for that plant type. Ideally, the temperature won't fluctuate too much. Some seeds must have darkness for germination, whereas others are ok with some light. Again, check each plant's needs before sowing.



When the seeds have sprouted I prick them out into (usually) a growing medium mixed with vermiculite or perlite, that they started with. I then continue growing on with the light requirements needed for this plant, usually I keep the temperature at a similar level. It's best not to shock young plants with rapid variations of light or temperature, as well as humidity, so watch for these too.



The perlite or vermiculite help roots grow well, due to their ability to absorb water/nutrients as well as allow air - and thus oxygen - to the roots.



Some quick thoughts on a fairly cheap method, that can be varied according to the exact requirements of the fruit tree that you're growing.



Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
Reply:Most seeds must go through a drying and freezing proses

before they will germinate if they are a cold clement tree.

I have planted 17 peach trees. 10 of them from a verity that's

been in the family over 80 years. I let the seeds lay in the

weather for a mo. or so. Then in mid summer or fall I plant

them in a good soil in peat moss cups with the top of the

cups even with the top of the soil in a planter outside. Nature

takes care of the rest. I then transplant them in the spring.

With pecans when you plant them, the seam needs to be up

and down. If it is horizontal, water will set in the lower half and

cause it to rot. That hard shell is there as a protection for the

kernel. Think of it as a cocoon that protects the caterpillar

inside until the time for the transformation. You are starting

a fun pass time. Good luck.
Reply:You can persuade an avocado to germinate by suspending it over water - for example in the glass jars used to grow hyacinths without soil.

Don't lose patience with an avocado - it takes several weeks to decide to germinate.

Orange and lemon pips grow well - we used to grow these with the kids so that they could learn about seeds turning into trees. Just put them in compost in pots on the window ledge.
Reply:i was looking into starting cherry pits myself and found info that stated they need to be sure not to dry out at any time. And that they need to 'feel' a winter for at least several weeks('bout 8or so) kept in moist peat mixture. It seemed like such a long and agonizing wait I am just going to buy a cherry tree locally. They are about $20. Good deal. Because it takes sooo long for a young sprout to even resemble a tree much less make fruit. I'll stick to growing flowers from seed myself :) Good Luck with yours tho!