Turn A Single Plum Pit Into Your Own Fruit-Bearing Backyard Tree - Tasting Table

"Plums are one of the most underrated fruits in the world. You don't hear about plum-flavored candy, plum ice cream, or plum pie. Yet with over 100 different kinds, and at least 30 that are native to North America, there's no shortage of delicious options. They can be so good that you may want to recreate the experience at home by growing your own. All it takes is saving the pit."

"A plum pit is just a hard shell that protects the seed inside. It's not the seed itself. You can gently crack the pit with a hammer to reveal the almond-shaped seed inside. The more you gather, the greater your odds of success. It could take more than a dozen pits to produce a single successful seedling. Next, drop your seeds into a glass of water. Any that float are not viable and can be discarded. The seeds that sink are the ones you want."

Choose ripe, healthy plums—ideally from a farmer's market—and save the pits. Allow pits to dry for two or three days, then crack them gently to reveal the almond-shaped seed. Discard seeds that float in water; keep those that sink. Cold-stratify viable seeds by wrapping them in a wet paper towel, sealing in a bag, and refrigerating while keeping the towel moist and checking for mold. Sprouting can take a couple of weeks up to three months. Plant sprouts in pots with about two inches of nutrient-rich soil, provide good drainage and regular water, and place in sunny, not excessively hot, conditions. Transplant outdoors when sprouts develop leaves in warm weather.

Read at Tasting Table