Grow fruiting plants from seed

Growing fruit trees from seed is a gratifying and environmentally conscious endeavour that offers a range of benefits.

Firstly, it provides an affordable alternative to purchasing mature trees, as seeds are often more economical and widely accessible.

Cultivating fruit trees from seed also allows for a deeper connection with the growth process, from germination to maturity, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

Additionally, growing from seed promotes genetic diversity, as each seed represents a unique combination of traits. This diversity can contribute to more resilient and adaptable orchards, better equipped to withstand environmental challenges.

While it may take longer for seed-grown trees to bear fruit compared to grafted varieties, the resulting trees often develop robust root systems and are well-suited to local soil and climate conditions.

Pink Raspberry - 5RW

Pink Raspberry - 5RW

Details   A sweet fruit that's less tart than the red, grows into a 1.5m bush in heavy damp soils, 1m on light land. Was found growing near the Arthurs Pass village in the 1950's by a gardener who maintained this variety in Rangiora till his death in the early 90's. Richard has grown it ever since. Raspberry seed needs stratification, which can also be done in the fridge by placing the seed in damp paper on a plate then cover the plate with cling wrap. About 6-8 weeks should be enough.

Cuttings will be available during winter, hit the watch tab and a notification will be email out. 

Botanical name   Rubus
Contains at least   20
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Cape Gooseberry - 81RW

Cape Gooseberry - 81RW

Details   The cape gooseberry are grown for its small orange fruits encased in a papery husk. They taste like a cross between a gooseberry and a tropical fruit and can be eaten straight from the plant, used in preserves or salsa, or added to cakes and desserts as a garnish. Each plant can produce a kilo of fruits, which are high in vitamin C.
Botanical name   Physalis peruviana
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Storage Info   grown fresh each year
Price per packet   $4.50
Tamarillo - Laird's Large - 213SS

Tamarillo - Laird's Large - 213SS

Details   Laird's Large Tamarillo is a fast growing bush that can produce up to 20kgs when fully grown.  The fruit is a large deep purple/red colour. Tamarillo bushes are frost tender and need good shelter from winds.  Tamarillo's are susceptible to aphids and whitefly, consider companion planting with herbs such as basil or coriander to deter pests.
Propagation: Sow Lairds Large Tamarillo seeds directly onto a firm bed of seed raising mix and press in well.  Cover with a light layer of mix.  Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days.

Botanical name   Solanum betaceum
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Contains at least   30 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Only 3 in stock   Order
Passionfruit - Black Beauty - 119CMK

Passionfruit - Black Beauty - 119CMK

Details  
Passionfruit has a sweet and tangy taste, great eating on its own or with ice cream or made into a jelly. When growing they appreciate soil rich in organic matter. Protect from strong winds and frost, prefers a sunny location where it can grow up a support. They like a bit of fertiliser in the spring.
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Sep 2022
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Only 4 in stock   Order
Loquat - 95CMK

Loquat - 95CMK

Details   Loquats are native to the cooler hill regions of south-central China and will grow happily throughout New Zealand
Botanical name   Eriobotrya japonica
Contains at least   15
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Out of stock
Amish Rockmelon - 232CMK

Amish Rockmelon - 232CMK

Details   Smaller in size so doesn’t require as long a summer to grow unlike the bigger ones, plant in rich soil in direct sunlight once frost’s have passed.
fruit grows to 20 cm across 3 kg in weight, flesh is orange.
Heirloom
Disease resistant
Botanical name   Cucumis melo
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock

Melon - Tigger - 237SPH

Details   This fruit is an orange/yellow with brilliant fire-red, zigzag stripes and white flesh. They have a lovely smell and a sweet, juicy cucumber like taste. The fruit is small - reaching up to 500g approx. This heirloom originally came from an Armenian market. I have been growing them in my southern tunnel house with success and high yields.
Botanical name   Cucumis melo
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Autumn 2023
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hiltrop
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Tamarillo - Teds Red - 258SS

Tamarillo - Teds Red - 258SS

Details   Teds Red Tamarillo is a fast growing bush good producing tree when fully grown. The fruit is red in colour and medium. Tamarillo bushes are frost tender and need good shelter from winds. Tamarillo are susceptible to aphids and whitefly, consider companion planting with herbs such as basil or coriander to deter pests. Propagation: Place Teds Red Tamarillo seeds in seed raising mix cover with a fine layer of mix, water well and place tray in a warm sunny spot, spring is the best time, germination can take 2-3 weeks.
Botanical name   Solanum betaceum
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Contains at least   20
Price per packet   $4.50
Tamarillo - Bold Gold - 267SS

Tamarillo - Bold Gold - 267SS

Details   Bold Gold Tamarillo is a fast growing bush that can produce up to 20kgs when fully grown. The fruit is medium size and yellow/gold in colour. Tamarillo bushes are frost tender and need good shelter from winds, they are susceptible to aphids and whitefly, so consider companion planting with herbs such as basil or coriander to deter pests. Propagation: Place Bold Gold Tamarillo seeds in seed raising mix cover with a fine layer of mix, water well and place tray in a warm sunny spot, spring is the best time, germination can take 2-3 weeks.
Botanical name   Solanum betaceum
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   Aug 2023
Contains at least   30
Price per packet   $4.50