How to Plant a Plum Seed

Co-authored by Rachel Guffey

Last Updated: March 20, 2023 References Approved

A plum is a type of stone fruit that carries its seed inside a pit in the core of the fruit. Seeds can be harvested from most market varieties, and then undergo a process called “stratification.” Once germinated the seed can be planted outdoors or in a container.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Harvesting the Seed

1
Purchase ripe plums from a market stall. Buy plums that were grown locally or in a similar climate, so that you ensure it will grow in your hardiness zone. It is best not to use early-maturing varieties, because the seeds are less likely to develop in these types.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Eat the flesh off the plum. Choose the tastiest one to try to plant, since plum seeds often carry on the traits of a parent plant very well.

Advertisement
3
Continue to remove all the flesh so that the pit looks bare.
4
Set the pit out on a windowsill for a few days to dry. The seed inside the pit will dry and shrink away, and you will be able to save it more easily. The shell will also crack more easily when dried.^{[2]
X
Research source}
5
Take a small nutcracker. Place the pit horizontally between the two ends. Crack it gently.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
Penn State Extension
Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities
Go to source}
- Take care not to crack too hard. A smashed seed can’t be planted.
6
Set the almond-like seed off to the side. This is what you need to sprout and plant.
7
Fill a glass of water. Drop your seed into it. If it sinks, you can germinate it, and if it floats, you should continue cracking pits until you get a viable seed.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Sprouting the Seed

1
Soak the seeds overnight in the glass of water that you just filled.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Penn State Extension
Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities
Go to source} Use room temperature water.
2
Fill a plastic bag or a canning jar two-thirds full of rich compost. Wet the soil so that it is moist, but not overly wet.
3
Place the seed or seeds inside the compost and seal the plastic bag or jar. Shake the container so that the seed moves deeper into the loose soil.
4
Turn your refrigerator to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius). Place the jar or bag in the refrigerator to start the stratification process. This cool, sprouting process germinates the seeds so that they can be planted and grown into a tree.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
Penn State Extension
Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities
Go to source}
- The seeds need cool stratification to germinate indoors.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- You can put them in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
- Or wrap them in damp sphagnum moss and put them into an empty strawberry container for germination.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Planting the Seed

1
Choose a permanent place in your yard to plant your plum trees. It is recommended that you plant at least two trees so that cross-pollinating varieties will come to fruit.^{[9]
X
Research source}
2
Pick a place that can be frost protected. Choose a slightly sheltered place that you can mulch and cover to avoid frost—a killer of young plum trees. It will need to be in full sun.
3
Bring in plenty of well-drained soil and compost before you plant. Adding soil will also help it drain better.
4
Opt to plant in a large pot and transplant later of if you are unsure where to plant the tree. It should be a deep pot with drainage holes.
5
Remove the seed from the jar or bag once healthy, white roots form. Take care not to break these roots when transplanting.
6
Dig a small hole that is a few inches deeper than the roots. Create a small mound of soil in the center. Place the seed atop it and spread the roots around the mound.
7
Cover the planted seed with soil. Space your trees about 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.6m) apart.^{[10]
X
Research source}
8
Water the space and protect it well. Water deeply before the ground dries out. Your plum tree should start bearing fruit in three to five years.

Community Q&A

Question

Can these be planted straight out of the pits?

Community Answer

Not nearly as successfully. Leave it half-covered in water until roots have emerged, then proceed to plant it, leaving it close to the surface.
Question

My plum tree is in a pot and 1 foot high. Should I now plant it in the garden?.

Community Answer

Yes, it will need to go there soon anyway. As long as it is big enough to survive the winter, you'll be fine.
Question

Can plum seeds be planted in tropical countries where there isn't really a winter?

Community Answer

You can plant them and they might grow, but plums and other stone fruits require the cold to activate the enzymes needed for the seed to sprout. The trees also require a period of cold dormancy in order to set fruit. The tree might survive for a year, maybe two, then die.