Sometimes, eating a pretty tasty fruit, there is a desire to try sprout a bone to get a new fruit tree. The forums often have questions about whether it is possible to grow plum or any other fruitful culture from the stone at home. This can be done, but it is quite difficult, because before planting a plum from a stone, you need to prepare. How to sprout plum stone, we will describe in detail in this article.
- Is it possible to grow a plum from a stone and whether it will bear fruit
- How to grow plum from the stone: stratification of seeds
- How to prepare the soil for planting plum from the bone
- Description of the process of planting plum stones
- Landing at home
- Planting stones in open ground
- How to care for a seedling
- Peculiarities of growing plum from the stone
Is it possible to grow a plum from a stone and whether it will bear fruit
Many gardeners who have a plum tree growing in their gardens sometimes try to grow a new tree from a stone. Opinions about which varieties are best used for sprouting plum stones are divided: some believe that all varieties can be grown from a stone, others are only relevant for a particular area. In any case, it is possible to grow a plum from a stone, however, there are a few rules that you need to follow if you want to grow a healthy tree at home. Despite the fact that many gardeners are inclined to use all varieties for growing from a stone, it is still better to germinate those varieties that grow in your area, while varieties from other climatic regions are better to refuse, otherwise the stone may freeze.
So, the best varieties for growing in the middle lane are: Belarusian, Minsk, Vitebsk Late and Volga beauty. In the sharply continental climate, it is best to grow Egg Blue, Morning plum, as well as a variety of Eurasia. For warm areas, it is better to use such varieties: Victoria, Kuban comet, Kroman.
In general, the germination process is very laborious and requires a lot of effort, and especially patience. Most often they say that a plum grown from a stone will not bear fruit, but experienced breeders nevertheless claim that it is still possible to obtain a tree from a stone with good characteristics. You just need to choose the right variety and use planting material from ripe fruits. Most often, the method of growing fruit from the seed is used for breeding varieties, because in reality you can get a tree that differs from the "parent".
How to grow plum from the stone: stratification of seeds
The plum from the stone is the dream of many, which can be accomplished if the seed and soil are prepared before growing. We first analyze the process of stratification of seeds. This procedure is simple, but rather long and delayed for 6 months.
So, let's take a closer look at the stratification process:
- each bone separately needs to be wrapped in a damp cloth (it is better to use natural fabric, not synthetic);
- wrapped bones should be placed in a cool place (basement or even a refrigerator): the colder - the more likely it is that the material will germinate;
- it is necessary to constantly keep the cloth, in which the bones are wrapped, in a wet state;
- You need to store such material for about six months (if you started the stratification process in October, then it should end no earlier than March).
In order for the bones to sprout faster, they can be treated with a stimulant. For this purpose, the following drugs will be suitable: Epin, Zircon, Ecosil. The stimulator needs to process not only the bone, but also the fabric in which it is wrapped. If you notice the slightest sign of mildew on the bones, they should be immediately deployed and thoroughly rinsed.
How to prepare the soil for planting plum from the bone
Planting plum stone can begin when the bone swells, and the top layer of the skin will crack. If you don’t see such changes on some stones, it means that the preparatory process was unsuccessful,and such bones are better not to plant, they will not germinate. Before planting the bone, it is necessary to prepare the soil mixture. To do this, mix perlite and sand in equal parts. Perlite is a natural volcanic material that promotes better and faster germination of seeds.
If you decide to plant a plum in open ground, then for this it is better to choose a light, loamy soil with a high content of calcium. If there is too much sand in the soil, it is necessary to mix it with peat, but if the soil is clay, heavy, then it must be mixed with sand and peat.
Description of the process of planting plum stones
Plum bones - The material is whimsical, and many gardeners hesitate whether it is possible to plant them in open ground or it is better to first grow them in pots. The answer is simple: it is possible to plant plum stones in open ground and in a tank. The only factor that plays a role in this situation is climate. After all, to grow a tree in the northern regions is more difficult, and it is unlikely that the plum from the stone will be used in a cold climate.Now let's take a closer look at these two methods of planting: landing in open ground and landing at home.
Landing at home
First you need to prepare the soil as described above. After preparing the ground, it is necessary to prepare the bone, for this it is necessary to hit it with a hammer, however, it is important to accurately calculate the force of the blow, because the bone should crack slightly, but not dissolve. This procedure is necessary so that the seed inside the bone “wakes up”. Next, the bone must be planted in the soil, deepening it by 6-9 cm. The soil in the container must be maintained in a constantly hydrated state, however, it is impossible to transfuse the stone. The container must be kept in a cool place, but the bone will not survive too low a temperature. In a few weeks, the first shoots will appear that can be planted in open ground only in a year.
Planting stones in open ground
If you do not want to spend time on the long process of growing plum from the stone, you can land the stone immediately in open ground. To do this, add slightly humus or manure to a damp, slightly acidic soil and plant a bone. The landing depth is 6-10 cm, while the size of the pit should be about 15 * 20 cm. Pit better to sprinkle so that formed a small hump. For additional protection around the pit is necessary to scatter the poison for mice and other rodents. It is better to plant several bones in one hole, because it is impossible to predict weather conditions, and only one seed can ascend.
How to care for a seedling
Plum seedlings do not need special care. They need to be fed, provide them with a sufficient level of moisture, as well as weed them and loosen the soil. Watering the seedlings is necessary so that the soil is always slightly damp. Together with irrigation, loosening should be carried out so that the root system of the seedling is saturated with oxygen. As for fertilizing, they are carried out several times a year, using complex fertilizers for fruit, which can be easily found in flower shops. If you plant a seed in open ground, then over time seedlings will need weeding. It is better to spend it with your hands so as not to damage the plant with a tool.
Peculiarities of growing plum from the stone
There are some subtleties that should be followed when planting to get a healthy tree. First, it is better to plant a plum on an elevation on the north side of the courtyard, then the snow will linger longer here, and the plum will be under more reliable protection. The place should be well lit. The next thing to do is to provide draining protection from drafts. For this it is better to land along the fence. When planting in a hole it is better to add a bucket of organic fertilizer, then the tree will take root better. It will also be useful to pour a little egg shell to the bottom of the pit - it contains a lot of calcium. The most important rule in the cultivation of plum from the stone is that you need to constantly maintain a high level of moisture, but do not overfill the plant.
As you can see, there is no doubt whether a plum can grow out of a stone is not enough; you just have to make an effort and you can independently grow a fruit tree from what people consider to be garbage.