Can a fruit tree be grown from seed taken bought grocery store?

Growing fruit trees from seeds obtained from grocery store fruits is possible, but the resulting trees might not produce fruit that is identical to the parent fruit or may take several years to bear fruit. Here's what to consider:

1. Genetic Variation: Fruit trees grown from seeds may exhibit genetic variation compared to the parent plant. This means the fruit produced by your tree may differ in terms of size, color, taste, and other characteristics from the fruit you purchased.

2. Rootstock Influence: Grocery store fruits are often grafted onto specific rootstocks to enhance certain traits, such as disease resistance or dwarfing. When growing from seed, you won't have the benefit of this rootstock influence, which can affect the overall performance of the tree.

3. Pollination Requirements: Some fruit trees require cross-pollination with a compatible variety to produce fruit. If you grow a single tree from seed, it may not be able to self-pollinate and may require another tree of the same species nearby for successful fruit production.

4. Grafting and Budding: Growing fruit trees from seeds is more time-consuming compared to traditional methods like grafting or budding. Grafting or budding allows you to propagate trees with specific desirable traits and ensures more consistent fruit production.

5. Potential for Rootstock Suckers: Trees grown from seeds may produce rootstock suckers, which are shoots that emerge from the rootstock and can take over the tree. These suckers can compete with the desired grafted variety for nutrients and water.

6. Disease Resistance and Vigor: Seed-grown trees may not inherit the same level of disease resistance or vigor as grafted trees. Factors like pest resistance, cold hardiness, and drought tolerance may vary.

7. Seed Viability: Not all seeds from grocery store fruits are viable or capable of germination. Some seeds may have been exposed to conditions during transportation and storage that compromise their viability.

8. Time to Fruiting: Fruit trees grown from seeds may take several years to reach maturity and produce fruit. The timeline can vary depending on the species and specific growing conditions.

While it is possible to grow fruit trees from grocery store seeds, it's essential to understand the limitations and consider the practical implications. For best results, it's recommended to obtain seeds or young plants from reputable nurseries or garden centers that specialize in fruit trees. These sources can provide you with trees that have been grafted, ensuring the desired characteristics and fruit quality.