How to Grow Plum Trees from Seeds

It is possible to grow plum trees from seed, however, be forewarned that most plums are from hybrid trees so the tree may not produce fruit and if it does produce fruit it will not be the same taste and quality as the one the pit came from. We will go through the steps needed to germinate and plant plum seeds.

Step 1 - Dry the Seeds

Set the seeds in a window sill to dry in the sun. The pit needs to be dry before it can germinate. If the seed is left wet it can rot, making it not useful to grow a tree with at all. Make sure that the seeds you are using are of good quality and not cracking open on their own.

Step 2 - Stimulate Dormancy

A plum seed needs a period of dormancy for 2 to 3 months. Place the seeds in a damp paper towel in the Ziploc bag with air holes poked in. Place the seeds in the refrigerator for 60 to 90 days.

Step 3 - Germination

Place the seeds each in their own separate container. The reason you are trying at least three seeds is because some will not germinate at all due to their hybrid parents. Cover each seed with potting soil and place in a a warm sunny area that is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the pots sparingly. Just enough to keep the soil damp not rot the seed.

Step 4 - Baby the Seedling

You will need to watch the plant for the next couple of months. It will continue to grow in the pot however it is not ready to move until the second set of true leaves have sprouted from the seedling.

Step 5 - Transplant

The best time to plant a seedling plum tree is in early October. The soil will still be moist and warm from fall. You can actually plant a plum tree at anytime from early fall to late spring. Move the seedling to well nourished soil and continue to water and feed it as needed.

If your plum seeds created a tree, congratulations, now it will just be a waiting game to see if it produces fruit in 4 to 5 years. Once you get past the germination of the seeds a plum tree is easy to take care of. Keep it watered and in well drained soil, protect from frost by mulching in the winter months. Also keep it fed by applying fertilizer at least two times per year. You will need to supply the tree with supports so that it’s fragile trunk does not snap during a heavy wind storm. Put a post on each side of the tree and secure the tree with landscaping ties or rubber straps. This should keep the tree upright until it is strong enough to brave in climate weather on its own. Even if your plum tree fails to provide fruit you will have a beautiful tree that will continue to grow and provide shade to your yard.