Saed News: Now that it’s greengage plum season, many people might be interested in planting greengage seeds so they can grow a greengage sapling.
According to the Flowers and Plants Service of Saed News, to plant a greengage seed, you should remove the seed from a ripe greengage and store it at 5°C (41°F) for three months. After this artificial winter period for the seed, you can plant it in well-drained soil.
According to Ekalablog, keep in mind that eventually, after the sapling grows, you will need to transfer the greengage to a garden bed because it cannot fully grow in a pot. Stay with us until the end of this article to learn the additional care tips.
How to Plant Greengage Seeds
To plant greengage seeds in a pot, simply follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Choose the right greengages
First, select fully ripe greengages. Those whose color has changed and texture softened are the best choices.
Step 2: Remove the seeds
Separate the seeds from the fruit and carefully wash them to completely remove any fruit residue. After washing, place the seeds in a completely dry and cool environment to dry fully. This prevents mold growth on the seeds.
Step 3: Prepare the seeds
Greengage seeds need a cold period to germinate. Place the dried seeds at about 5°C (41°F) for approximately three months.
The best method is to put the seeds in a damp cloth inside a plastic bag and keep them in the refrigerator. This process helps break seed dormancy and prepares them for growth.
Step 4: Prepare suitable soil and pot
After the cold period, choose a pot at least 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter with drainage holes at the bottom. Use a light soil rich in organic matter with good drainage. You can mix garden soil with sand and compost.
Step 5: Plant the greengage seeds
Fill the pot halfway with this soil, then make a hole about 5 cm (2 inches) deep and place the seed inside. Cover the seed with soil and gently press it down.
Now that you’ve planted your greengage seed, you need to take proper care to ensure good growth.
How to care for the planted greengage seed in a pot
Place the pot in a spot with appropriate light; bright but indirect light is best. Direct sunlight, especially during hot hours, can harm the plant. The ambient temperature should be warm and moderate to support germination well.
Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. The soil should have gentle moisture, not standing water on the surface.
Finally, note that the greengage is a tree, so permanent growth in a pot is not possible. Initially, you can keep the sapling in the pot for two to three years and increase the pot size if needed during this time.
However, as the plant grows and roots expand, you will need to transfer it to a garden or outdoor space. Moving the plant outdoors allows the tree enough room to grow fully.