Growing Rare Fruit From Seed
The information here was
extracted with minor revisions from an article by John M. Riley that
appeared in the 1981 CRFG Yearbook (vol. 13, 1981, pp.1-47). The full
article contains important additional information on mechanisms of seed
germination, propagation techniques, propagation media, container mixes
and seed storage. See the back issue information on CRFG for price and
ordering information.
Seed Treatment MethodsHot WaterThis
treatment consists of soaking the seed in hot water for a period of
time. One procedure is to pour boiling water over the seed, using about
four volumes of water to one volume of seed. The intent is a thermal
shock which rapidly diminished to room temperature. Usually this is
followed by moist cold storage. Most pathogens are destroyed at about
160° F (71° C). The treatment is a little tricky for home use,
since most seed are killed at 178° F (81° C).
Sulfuric Acid TreatmentThe
acid attacks cellulose and is often recommended as a dramatic treatment
for seed coat modification. For the home gardener, handling sulfuric
acid may present some hazard.
Hydrogen PeroxideThis
is commonly available in a 3% solution. It may be used in full strength
for about 20 minute to disinfect seed and alter the seed coat. The
peroxide may then be diluted in half with water and the seed soaked for
up to 24 hours.
Sodium/Calcium HypochloriteThis
material is commonly available as ordinary laundry bleach. It
effectively sterilizes and disinfects when used in a 10% solution. This
can be prepared by added 1/4 cup bleach to 2 cups of water. Soak the
seed for 20 minutes to sterilize and rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Alcohol and Other SolventsMany
volatile solvents, including grain alcohol have been mentioned as
having an effect on seed germination. Quite possibly this results from
softening waxy compounds in the seed coat which are not water soluble.
GibberellinGibberellic
acid promotes germination in many seeds. It also helps overcome the
tendency for some seedling to become dwarfed and to grow slowly after
the harsh treatment used to initiate germination. Seed may be soaked
with concentration of 100 to 1,000 ppm for 24 hours.
CytokininsNatural
growth hormones stimulate the germination of many kinds of seed by
acting at the molecular level on biological processes. Many synthetic
cytokinins are available from tissue culture supply houses, but since
they must be kept at a low temperature to prevent decomposition, they
are not available in garden supply centers. Soaking for three minutes
in kinetin at concentration of 100 ppm has been recommended.
EthyleneThis
gas occurs naturally in plants and has a number of biological effects,
including the stimulation of seed germination. One of the chemicals
available to gardener to generate ethylene is ethephon. Since
gibberellins, cytokinins and ethylene are three dominant components in
initiating germination, it is natural that they work best when applied
together.
Potassium NitrateMany
freshly harvested dormant seeds germinate better if soaked in a 0.2%
potassium nitrate solution. Seeds should be soaked for no more than 24
hours and then rinsed well.
ThioureaThis
has been used to stimulate germination of some dormant seeds,
particularly those that do not germinate in darkness or at high
temperatures. A water solution of 0.5 to 4% is recommended. Since
thiourea is somewhat inhibitory to growth, the seeds should be soaked
no longer than 24 hours and then rinsed well.
VitaminsThe
most common vitamin supplement for plants is vitamin B1 (thiamine).
Other vitamins of the B complex are also useful. Nicotinic acid
(niacin) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) have all been recommended.
Willow TeaA
tea made from willow bark contains a substance that enhances the
actions of plant hormones and appears to stimulate germination. Soaking
seed in willow tea for 24 to 48 hours is suggested.
TopProceduresThe
table that follows summarizes specific information useful for growing
rare fruit from seed. Rare fruits (mostly those tried in California)
are listed by their botanical names. Common names can be connected to
their botanical names through the CRFG Fruit List. Storage Life, in
months, (assuming proper treatment) is listed in column two. The
storage type, column three, is categorized as follows:
WTM--WARM TROPICAL MOISTSeed should be maintained above 70° F (21° C) and not allowed to dry out before planting.
TI--TROPICAL INTERMEDIATESeed should be dried to about 70% of harvest weight and stored a temperature of about 40° F (4° C).
TD--TEMPERATE DRYSeed should be dried to below 50% of harvest weight and stored at room temperature or preferably 40° F (4° C).
CM--COOL MOISTStore seed with sufficient moisture to prevent drying out at about 40° F (4° C).
Dormancy Breaker,
column four, indicates any special treatment to break dormancy. In each
case the seed can profit from a 24-hour soaking before planting.
SC--SCARIFICATIONSeeds are made permeable to water by sanding, filing or nicking the seed coat.
R--SEED COAT REMOVALCarefully crack or remove outer seed coating.
SK--PRESOAKSoak seed 24 hours before planting.
MC--MOIST CHILLINGAfter soaking 24 hours, pack the seed with moist sterile material and store for 30 to 60 days at 40° F (4° C).
ST--STRATIFYSoak seed 24 hours and store moist for one or more seasons in the natural environment. Do not let seed dry out.
WMS--WARM MOIST STORAGEAfter soaking 24 hours, store above 70° F (21° C). Plant soon.
CW--ALTERNATE COLD/MOIST TREATMENTSoak seed for 24 hours and subject to periods of 40° F (4° C). Cycle several times if necessary.
Top Germination Period,
column five, lists the time lapse between seedbed planting and
emergence. Time required to break dormancy is not included. Times vary
with cultivation and seed condition.
Hardiness (deg. F and C),
column six. Values are approximate and are mostly taken from books
which include the tropics, Florida and California. In a given
situation, plant size, previous environment, health and chill factor
can alter the response to a given temperature. There may also be
significant differences in variants of the same species. The hardiness
values listed are probably optimistic by about 5° F (2° C) for
tropical fruit tree seedlings or young plants.
General Comments.
A number following a symbol indicates the days of treatment required. A
plus (+) after a number means the value may be exceeded. A temperature
in parenthesis following the germination period indicates the minimum
temperature (°F, °C) required for germination. The information
on germination time is approximate and based largely on John Riley's
personal experience.
| CHARACTERISTICS OF RARE FRUIT PROPAGATION FROM SEED |
| Botanical name |
Storage
life (mos.) |
Storage
type |
Dormancy
breaker |
Germination
days |
Hardiness
°F (°C) |
| Actinidia |
|
| chinensis |
12+ |
TD |
SC/CW |
14-21 |
10 (-12) |
| arguta |
12+ |
TD |
SC/CW |
14-21 |
-25 (-32) |
| kolomikta |
12+ |
TD |
SC/CW |
14-21 |
-40 (-40) |
| Aegle |
|
| marmelo |
12+ |
TI |
SK/WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Akebia |
|
| quinata |
24+ |
TD |
MC |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| trifoliata |
24+ |
TD |
MC |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| Amelanchier |
|
| ainifoli |
8 |
TD |
SC/MC |
14-21 |
-50 (-45) |
| canadensis |
8 |
TD |
SC/MC |
14-21 |
-30(-35) |
| denticulatum |
8 |
TD |
SC/MC |
14-21 |
-10(-23) |
| Anacardium |
|
| occidental |
1 |
WTM |
SK |
14-21 |
30 (-1) |
| Annona |
|
| cherimola |
24+ |
TD |
SK |
14-21 |
26 (-3) |
| purpurea |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| reticulata |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| squamosa |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Antidesma |
|
| bunius |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
26 (-3) |
| dallachyanum |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
26 (-3) |
| platyphyllum |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Arbutus |
|
| unedo |
12-24 |
TD |
MC |
30 |
15 (-10) |
Botanical name
Top |
Storage
life (mos.) |
Storage
type |
Dormancy
breaker |
Germination
days |
Hardiness
°F (°C) |
| Artocarpus |
|
| communis |
1 |
WTM |
WMS |
7-21 |
35 (3) |
| integrifolia |
1 |
WTM |
WMS |
7-21 |
30 (-1) |
| hypargyraeus |
1 |
WTM |
WMS |
7-21 |
30 (-1) |
| Asimina |
|
| triloba |
12+ |
CM |
SC/MC |
30-90 |
-25 (-32) |
| Averrhoa |
|
| bilimbi |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| carambola |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Billardia |
|
| cymosa |
24+ |
TD |
MC |
14-21 |
0 (-12) |
| scandens |
24+ |
TD |
MC |
14-21 |
0 (-12) |
| Blighia |
|
| sapida |
3 |
WTM |
WMS |
7-21 |
30 (-1) |
| Carica |
|
| goudotiana |
24+ |
TD |
SK |
14-30 |
28 (-2) |
| monoica |
24+ |
TD |
SK |
14-30 |
28 (-2) |
| papaya |
24+ |
TD |
SK |
14-30 |
30 (-1) |
| pubescens |
24+ |
TD |
SK |
14-30 |
26 (-3) |
| stipulata |
24+ |
TD |
SK |
14-30 |
28 (-2) |
| toronchi |
24+ |
TD |
SK |
14-30 |
28 (-2) |
| Carissa |
|
| carandas |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
16 |
24 (-5) |
| edulis |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
16 |
26 (-3) |
| macrocarpa |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
16 |
26 (-3) |
| Carya |
|
| illinoiensis |
36-48 |
TI |
MC |
30 |
-10 (-23) |
| Casimiroa |
|
| edulis |
6 |
TI |
R/SK |
14-21 |
24 (-5) |
| tetrameria |
6 |
TI |
R/SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Castanea |
|
| dentata |
8 |
CM |
MC |
28 |
-10 (-23) |
| pumila |
8 |
CM |
MC |
28 |
-10 (-23) |
| Ceratonia |
|
| siliqua |
60 |
TD |
SC |
20-30 |
20 (-8) |
| Cereus |
|
| peruvianus |
36 |
TD |
light |
3-14 |
26 (-3) |
| Chrysophyllum |
|
| cainito |
6 |
WTM |
WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Citrus |
|
| aurantifolia |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| aurantium |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| limon |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| maxima |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| mitis |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
20 (-8) |
| paradisi |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| reticulata |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| sinensis |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
Botanical name
Top |
Storage
life (mos.) |
Storage
type |
Dormancy
breaker |
Germination
days |
Hardiness
°F (°C) |
| Clausena |
|
| lansium |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| Coccolaba |
|
| uvifera |
12 |
TD |
WMS |
14-21 |
30 (-1) |
| Coffea |
|
| arabica |
6 |
CM |
WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| liberica |
6 |
CM |
WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Cornus |
|
| amonum |
24+ |
TD |
CW |
14-21 |
0 (-18) |
| mas |
24+ |
TD |
CW |
14-21 |
0 (-18) |
| Corylus |
|
| americana |
12+ |
CM |
CW |
10-30 |
-15 (-26) |
| avellana |
12+ |
CM |
CW |
10-30 |
-15 (-26) |
| Crateagus |
|
| aestivalis |
24+ |
TD |
SC/MC |
30-40 |
-15 (-26) |
| pubescens |
24+ |
TD |
SC/MC |
30-40 |
-15 (-26) |
| Cudrania |
|
| tricuspidata |
36 |
TD |
SC/ST |
14-21 |
-20 (-29) |
| Cydonia |
|
| oblonga |
8 |
CM |
MC |
14-21 |
-15 (-26) |
| Cyphomandra |
|
| betacea |
24 |
TD |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Diospyros |
|
| digyna |
6 |
WTM |
SK/WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| discolor |
6 |
WTM |
SK/WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| kaki |
12+ |
TI |
SC/MC |
14-21 |
0 (-18) |
| virginiana |
24-36 |
TD |
SC/MC |
14-21 |
-10 (-23) |
| Dovyalis |
|
| abyssinica |
24+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| caffra |
24+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| hebecarpa |
24+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Elaeagnus |
|
| multiflora |
24+ |
TI |
SK/MC |
14-21 |
-10 (-23) |
| philippensis |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| pungaens |
24+ |
TI |
SK/MC |
14-21 |
0 (-18) |
| Eriobotrya |
|
| japonica |
8 days |
CM |
MC |
14-21 |
12 (-11) |
| Eugenia |
|
| aggregata |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
20 (-8) |
| brasilliensis |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| luschnathiana |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| uniflora |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Euphoria |
|
| longan |
1 |
WTM |
WMS |
16-30 |
24 (-4) |
| Feijoa |
|
| sellowiana |
24+ |
TI |
MC |
14-21 |
14 (-10) |
| Feronia |
|
| limonia |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Ficus |
|
| carica |
24+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| Flacourtia |
|
| ramonchi |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Fortunella |
|
| japonica |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
10 (-12) |
| margarita |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
10 (-12) |
| Garcinia |
|
| mangostana |
1-2 |
WTM |
SK/WMS |
14-21 |
40 (4) |
| xanthochymus |
2-4 |
WTM |
SK/WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
Botanical name
Top |
Storage
life (mos.) |
Storage
type |
Dormancy
breaker |
Germination
days |
Hardiness
°F (°C) |
| Gaultheria |
|
| shallon |
12 |
TD |
MC |
30 |
0 (-18) |
| Gaylussacia |
|
| frondosa |
24+ |
TD |
CW |
10-30 |
0 (-18) |
| resinosa |
24+ |
TD |
CW |
10-30 |
0 (-18) |
| Gevuina |
|
| avellana |
6 |
CM |
WMS |
14-21 |
10 (-12) |
| Harpyphyllum |
|
| caffrum |
24+ |
TI |
R |
14-21 |
26 (-3) |
| Hibiscus |
|
| sabariffa |
36 |
TD |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Hovenia |
|
| dulcis |
24+ |
TD |
SC/MC |
14-30 |
-10 (-23) |
| Inga |
|
| paterno |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Litchi |
|
| chinensis |
1 |
WTM |
WMS |
16-30 |
28 (-2) |
| Macadamia |
|
| integrifolia |
24 |
TI |
SK |
14-30 |
24 (-4) |
| tetraphylla |
24 |
TO |
SK |
14-30 |
24 (-4) |
| Malphigia |
|
| glabra |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Mammea |
|
| americana |
2-4 |
WTM |
SK/WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Mangiferum |
|
| indica |
2 |
WTM |
R/SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Manilkara |
|
| zapota |
24 |
TD |
SK |
15-30 |
28 (-2) |
| Melicoccus |
|
| bijugatus |
3 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Morus |
|
| alba |
24+ |
TI |
SC/ST |
14-21 |
-20 (-29) |
| nigra |
24+ |
TI |
SC/ST |
14-21 |
0 (-18) |
| rubra |
24+ |
TI |
SC/ST |
14-21 |
-10 (-13) |
| Muntingia |
|
| calibura |
12+ |
TI |
SK/WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Musa |
|
| balbisiana |
12 |
TI |
SK/WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Myrciaria |
|
| cauliflora |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
24 (-4) |
| Myrtus |
|
| communis |
24+ |
TD |
MC |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
Botanical name
Top |
Storage
life (mos.) |
Storage
type |
Dormancy
breaker |
Germination
days |
Hardiness
°F (°C) |
| Passiflora |
|
| alata |
3-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| edulis |
3-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| laurifolia |
3-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| ligularis |
3-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| molissima |
3-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| quadrangularis |
3-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
32 (0) |
| Persea |
|
| americana |
4 |
WTM |
WMS |
14-21 |
22-28
(-6, -2) |
| Pistachia |
|
| vera |
2-3 |
TI |
R/SK |
14-21 |
10 (-12) |
| Pometia |
|
| pinnata |
6 |
WTM |
WMS |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Poncirus |
|
| trifoliata |
12-24 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
0 (-18) |
| Pouteria |
|
| campechiana |
6 |
WTM |
WMS |
14-21 |
30 (-1) |
| sapota |
6 |
WTM |
WMS |
14-21 |
30 (-1) |
| viride |
6 |
WTM |
WMS |
14-21 |
30 (-1) |
| Prunus |
|
| salicifolia |
24 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
20 (-7) |
| Psidium |
|
| cattleianum |
12+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
25 (-4) |
| guajava |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Punica |
|
| granatum |
36 |
TI |
MC |
14-30 |
12 (-11) |
| Rhodomyrtus |
|
| tomentosa |
12 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
26 (-3) |
| Ribes |
|
| hirtellum |
48+ |
TD |
MC |
30 |
-30 (-35) |
| nigrum |
48+ |
TD |
MC |
30 |
-30 (-35) |
| rubrum |
48+ |
TD |
MC |
30 |
-30 (-35) |
| sativum |
48+ |
TD |
MC |
30 |
-30 (-35) |
| uva-crispa |
48+ |
TD |
MC |
30 |
-30 (-35) |
| Rollinia |
|
| deliciosa |
-- |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Sambucus |
|
| caerulea |
24+ |
TI |
SC/MC |
30 |
-20 (-28) |
| canadensis |
24+ |
TI |
SC/MC |
30 |
-20 (-28) |
| racemosa |
24+ |
TI |
SC/MC |
30 |
-20 (-28) |
| Sandoricum |
|
| koetjape |
36 |
TD |
SK |
14-21 |
26 (-3) |
| Shepherdia |
|
| argentea |
42+ |
TD |
SC/MC |
30-60 |
-20 (-28) |
| Simmondsia |
|
| chinensis |
12+ |
TD |
SK |
5-7 (78&176; F, 26&176; C) |
15 (-10) |
Botanical name
Top |
Storage
life (mos.) |
Storage
type |
Dormancy
breaker |
Germination
days |
Hardiness
°F (°C) |
| Solanum |
|
| quitoense |
24 |
TD |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| topiru |
24 |
TD |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Sorbus |
|
| aucuparia |
24 |
TD |
MC |
10-30 |
-20 (-28) |
| domestica |
24 |
TD |
MC |
10-30 |
-10 (-23) |
| terminalis |
24 |
TD |
MC |
10-30 |
-10 (-23) |
| Synsepalum |
|
| dulcificum |
1 |
WTM |
WMS |
7-21 |
30 (-1) |
| Syzygium |
|
| aromaticum |
2-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
32 (0) |
| cumini |
2-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| jamabos |
2-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| malaccense |
2-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| paniculatum |
2-6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Tamarindus |
|
| indica |
6 |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
28 (-2) |
| Theobroma |
|
| cacao |
1 |
WTM |
SK |
7-14 (80&176; F, 27&176; C) |
30 (-1) |
| Ugni |
|
| molinae |
24+ |
TI |
SK |
14-21 |
10 (-12) |
| Vaccinium |
|
| angustifolium |
120 |
TI |
MC |
30 |
-20 (-28) |
| ashei |
120 |
TI |
MC |
30 |
-10 (-23) |
| corymbosum |
120 |
TI |
MC |
30 |
-20 (-28) |
| Vitis |
|
| labrusca |
24+ |
CM |
MC |
20-30 |
-20 (-28) |
| rotundifolia |
24+ |
CM |
MC |
20-30 |
-5 (-21) |
| vinifera |
24+ |
CM |
MC |
20-30 |
-5 (-21) |
| Ziziphus |
|
| jujuba |
12-24 |
TD |
R/SK |
14-21 |
-20 (-28) |
| mauritiana |
12-24 |
TD |
R/SK |
14-21 |
20 (-7) |
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