September in South Carolina offers gardeners a second chance at planting certain fruits from seed. With the scorching summer heat fading and the first frost still weeks away, this transition month provides ideal conditions for several fruit varieties to get established.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned green thumb, these fruits can thrive when planted now, giving you a jumpstart on next year’s harvest.
1. Watermelon’s Last Hurrah
Fast-maturing watermelon varieties can still be planted in early September if you’re feeling lucky! Choose quick-growing types like ‘Sugar Baby’ that need only 75 days to harvest.
The warm soil helps seeds germinate rapidly, and young plants establish themselves before cooler temperatures arrive. For best results, plant directly in well-draining soil enriched with compost and keep consistently moist.
2. Pawpaw’s Native Advantage
America’s forgotten fruit thrives in South Carolina’s climate and actually benefits from fall planting. Pawpaw seeds require cold stratification, making September the perfect time to get them in the ground.
Gather fresh seeds from ripe fruit, clean thoroughly, and plant immediately at a depth of one inch. The winter chill will naturally prepare them for spring germination. Native to the Southeast, pawpaws grow into beautiful small trees with tropical-looking foliage.
3. Persimmon’s Southern Promise
Both Asian and American persimmon seeds can be planted in September. The American variety (Diospyros virginiana) is particularly well-suited to South Carolina’s growing conditions and produces sweet, orange fruits after the leaves drop.
Fresh seeds have the highest germination rate. Plant them one inch deep in individual containers filled with loamy soil. Keep in mind that persimmons grown from seed take several years to bear fruit, but their ornamental value makes them worth the wait.
4. Passion Fruit’s Tropical Touch
Maypops, the native passion fruit, grow wild throughout South Carolina and readily establish from September-sown seeds. Their exotic purple flowers and sweet-tart fruits bring tropical flair to any garden.
Scoop seeds from ripe fruits and rinse away the pulp. Allow to dry for a day, then plant a quarter-inch deep in well-draining soil. Maypops are vigorous climbers, so provide a sturdy trellis or fence. They’re surprisingly cold-hardy and will return year after year.
5. Muscadine’s Southern Heritage
September offers the perfect opportunity to plant muscadine grape seeds as fresh fruits ripen throughout South Carolina. These native grapes produce abundant harvests with minimal care once established.
Extract seeds from ripe fruits and rinse thoroughly. Plant immediately in small pots with well-draining soil. Place in a protected area over winter, as germination typically occurs in spring. Though slower than growing from cuttings, seed-grown muscadines often show excellent vigor and disease resistance.
6. Fig’s Mediterranean Magic
While typically propagated from cuttings, adventurous gardeners can try growing figs from seeds in September. The cooling temperatures provide ideal conditions for germination without the summer heat stress.
Collect seeds from fully ripe figs by mashing the fruit and rinsing away the pulp. Sow seeds in small pots with sterile seed-starting mix, barely covering them. Keep consistently moist but not soggy. Patience is key—fig seedlings may take several weeks to emerge and years to fruit.
7. Pomegranate’s Ancient Appeal
Surprisingly adaptable to South Carolina’s climate, pomegranate seeds planted in September have time to develop strong roots before winter dormancy. The resulting shrubs produce stunning orange-red flowers followed by jewel-like fruits.
Extract seeds from ripe pomegranates and rinse away the juicy pulp. Allow to dry overnight, then plant a quarter-inch deep in potting soil. Keep in a protected location during winter. Seedlings vary in fruit quality, but all make attractive ornamental plants with edible rewards.
8. Loquat’s Subtropical Charm
Loquats flourish in South Carolina’s mild climate and can be started from seed in September. These evergreen trees produce sweet, tangy fruits in early spring before most other fruits are ready.
Clean the large seeds from ripe loquats and plant immediately while fresh. Use deep containers filled with rich potting soil and plant one inch deep. Germination occurs within a few weeks. Protect young seedlings from freezing temperatures during their first winter for best results.
9. Mulberry’s Hardy Nature
Red and black mulberry seeds can be successfully planted in September, giving them a head start for spring growth. These fast-growing trees provide abundant berries for both humans and wildlife.
Collect seeds from ripe berries by mashing and rinsing away the pulp. Sow thinly in seed trays filled with standard potting mix. Cover lightly and keep consistently moist. Mulberry seedlings grow quickly once established and can begin producing fruit in just a few years.
10. Strawberry’s Alpine Alternative
While most gardeners plant strawberry crowns, alpine strawberries grow wonderfully from seeds sown in September. These petite, intensely flavored berries thrive in South Carolina’s dappled shade gardens.
Sprinkle the tiny seeds on moist seed-starting mix without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Mist gently to avoid displacing seeds. Alpine strawberries develop slowly over winter, ready for spring planting. Unlike hybrid strawberries, these woodland gems produce true-to-type plants from seed.
11. Jujube’s Desert Secret
Often called Chinese dates, jujubes adapt remarkably well to South Carolina’s hot summers and can be started from seed in September. These drought-tolerant trees produce sweet, date-like fruits that can be eaten fresh or dried.
Crack the hard seed covering carefully using a nutcracker, taking care not to damage the seed inside. Soak overnight in warm water, then plant one inch deep in individual pots. Germination may take several weeks, and seedlings benefit from protection during their first winter.