Growing Fruit Trees From Seed: What to Expect

Growing a fruit tree from a seed is a long-term project, but it is deeply rewarding. Whether you want to grow a citrus tree on the windowsill or a hardy fruit tree in the yard, here is what you need to know before you start.

Set realistic expectations

Most commercial fruit trees are grafted: a branch of a known variety is joined to a rootstock. Seed-grown trees are different:

• Time to fruit: often 3–10 years depending on the species, compared with 2–4 years for grafted trees.
• Variety: seedlings of apples, pears and many stone fruits do not grow true to the parent. The fruit may be smaller or different in flavor — or a delicious surprise.
• Size: seedlings are often larger than trees grown on dwarfing rootstocks.

Some fruits do come relatively true from seed, including many peaches, apricots, citrus and native species such as American plum and pawpaw.

Germination basics

Most temperate fruit seeds need cold stratification: 60–120 days in cold, moist conditions before they will sprout. Seal the seeds in a bag of damp sand or paper towel and keep them in the refrigerator, checking monthly. Hard pits like peach and plum may be cracked carefully to speed things up.

Tropical and subtropical fruits such as citrus, papaya and passion fruit generally do not need stratification and germinate in warm, moist conditions.

Caring for seedlings

• Pot seedlings in deep containers to allow for long taproots.
• Give bright light and steady moisture.
• Move trees outdoors gradually once they have several sets of leaves and the weather is warm.
• Plant in the ground after one or two seasons, in full sun with good drainage.

Speeding up fruiting

Experienced growers sometimes graft a branch from a known variety onto their seedling, combining the vigor of the seedling with predictable fruit. Even without grafting, good sun, regular watering and avoiding excess nitrogen help trees mature.

Why it is worth it

Every seedling is unique, seed-grown trees often have strong root systems, and there is nothing quite like eating fruit from a tree you started yourself.

Browse our fruit seeds and tree seeds to start your own orchard.