Avoid Sprouting these 7 Fruits from Seeds, Expert Advice Suggests
Skip the Seeds: 7 Fruits You Shouldn't Grow at Home, According to Garden Enthusiasts
Growing your own fruits at home is a rewarding and satisfying hobby. However, not all fruits are ideal for growing from seeds. In fact, several garden experts warn against it. Here's why you should avoid planting the following seven fruits from seeds and instead consider alternative methods.
- Skylar Cordova, a passionate gardener and expert in edible landscaping
- Raquel Perez, a gardening blogger, dedicated to sharing tips for successful fruit cultivation
Why You Shouldn't Grow These Fruits from Seeds
Apples
Both experts highlight that apples are notoriously difficult to grow from seeds, especially if you're aiming for a specific variety. Skylar Cordova compares it to a "genetic lottery" - you'll never get an exact replica of the parent tree, and the fruits may not be up to par, taking 7 to 10 years before the tree even begins to bear fruit. Instead, Cordova suggests purchasing a grafted apple tree from a nursery, as these are clones of established, desirable varieties.
Grapes
While having your personal vineyard may sound alluring, growing grapes from seed is not the way to go. Raquel Perez explains that these grapes generally produce poor-quality fruit and tend to be susceptible to fungal diseases if they don't have suitable rootstock. A smarter choice would be using cuttings or purchasing certified, disease-free grapevines that thrive in your specific climate.
Cherries
Cherry trees grown from seeds have questionable fruit quality and are prone to diseases like brown rot, bacterial canker, and others. After all, who wants a tree with a higher risk of illness? Go for a disease-resistant, grafted cherry cultivar adapted to your region instead.
Blueberries
Blueberries have specific soil requirements and are slow to mature when started from seed. Perez also notes that germination can be slow and erratic. To expedite the harvest, consider purchasing an established potted or bare-root plant, ideally between 2 to 3 years old.
Raspberries
Growing raspberries from seed requires a complex process involving separating the seeds, fermenting them, and cold stratification. Instead, focus on propagating via pruning and rooting canes for a more manageable project.
Peaches
Peach trees grown from seed don't come true to type, rendering them an unknown in the end. They're also slow growers, taking 3 to 8 years before showing any fruit. Experts advise using grafted peach trees from nurseries for better reliability and quicker fruiting.
Pears
Like apples, pears grown from seed require an extensive wait before showing fruit (sometimes over a decade!) and may not produce fruit at all during their lifetime. The smart choice would be using a grafted pear variety on dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock for easier maintenance and an earlier harvest.
In summary, seeds can lead to genetic variability, long wait times, and potential disease issues when growing these seven fruits. Instead, consider alternative methods like buying grafted trees, cuttings, or established plants to ensure successful fruit cultivation in your garden.
Martha Stewart might prefer growing an apple tree from a seed, but Skylar Cordova suggests otherwise, recommending the purchase of a grafted apple tree for a more reliable and faster fruit-bearing result. Raquel Perez notes that growing grapes from seed usually results in poor-quality fruit and susceptibility to fungal diseases, suggesting the use of cuttings or disease-free grapevines instead.
