September offers Ohio gardeners a perfect window to plant certain fruit seeds before winter sets in. The cooling soil temperatures create ideal conditions for germination of several hardy varieties that benefit from cold stratification.
Starting these fruits from seed now gives them a head start for spring growth, saving you money while providing the satisfaction of growing your own food from scratch.
1. Apples
Growing apples from seed in Ohio creates a fun genetic lottery. Each seed produces a unique tree that might not match its parent fruit, making the process an adventure.
September planting allows seeds to naturally stratify during winter months. Just collect seeds from local varieties that already thrive in Ohio’s climate for better success rates.
I’ve found that placing seeds in damp paper towels inside zip-lock bags for a few weeks before planting helps jumpstart germination. Patient gardeners will be rewarded in 3-7 years with your first homegrown apples.
2. Pears
September provides the perfect timing for planting pear seeds in Ohio gardens. The upcoming cold months naturally stratify the seeds, breaking their dormancy for spring germination.
Collect seeds from ripe pears, clean them thoroughly, and plant about an inch deep in well-draining soil. My neighbor’s 15-year-old pear tree started as a simple seed and now produces bushels of fruit each season.
Like their apple cousins, pear seedlings won’t produce fruit identical to their parents, but they’ll develop strong root systems better adapted to local soil conditions.
3. Pawpaw
Native to Ohio, pawpaw seeds thrive when planted in September. Their tropical-tasting fruit has gained popularity among local food enthusiasts looking for something unique to grow.
Fresh seeds work best – I’ve had good luck planting them immediately after enjoying the custard-like fruit. Plant them about an inch deep in rich, moist soil where they’ll receive dappled shade.
Germination typically occurs the following spring after winter’s cold period breaks their dormancy. Many Ohio gardeners don’t realize this native treasure is perfectly adapted to our climate and relatively pest-free.
4. Persimmons
American persimmons grow wild throughout Ohio and their seeds can be planted successfully in September. The native variety produces small, sweet fruits after the first frost, perfect for puddings and baked goods.
Sow seeds directly in their permanent location since persimmons develop deep taproots that don’t transplant well. Last fall, I planted five seeds from a particularly sweet wild tree I discovered while hiking in southern Ohio.
These trees thrive in our climate without much fuss, though you’ll need both male and female trees for fruit production. Expect to wait 5-10 years before harvesting your first persimmons.
5. Elderberries
Elderberry seeds collected from late summer berries can be planted directly in September. The tiny seeds benefit from Ohio’s winter conditions, which naturally break their dormancy.
Scatter seeds in a prepared bed with rich, moist soil. My grandmother always said elderberries grow best where they can ‘keep their feet wet but their heads in the sun’ – advice that’s served me well in my Ohio garden.
While cuttings establish faster, seed-grown elderberries develop stronger root systems. These versatile shrubs produce berries perfect for jams, syrups, and immune-boosting remedies within 2-3 years.
6. Mulberries
September in Ohio offers the perfect opportunity to plant mulberry seeds collected during summer. These hardy trees grow vigorously from seed and adapt perfectly to our climate.
Spread the tiny seeds on the surface of well-prepared soil and cover with a thin layer of compost. During a garden renovation last year, I discovered volunteer mulberry seedlings everywhere – proof of how easily they naturalize in Ohio.
Both white and red mulberry varieties thrive here, though the native red mulberry is especially well-suited to our growing conditions. The sweet berries attract birds, which helps with natural seed dispersal throughout your property.
7. Blackberries
While most gardeners propagate blackberries from cuttings, growing them from seed in September gives Ohio gardeners a chance to develop unique varieties. The seeds need winter’s cold to break dormancy naturally.
Extract seeds from ripe berries by mashing and rinsing away the pulp. Plant them in a seedbed where they can remain undisturbed through winter. Some Ohio gardeners I’ve talked to swear that seed-grown blackberries produce more vigorous plants than nursery stock.
Expect seedlings to emerge in spring, with potential for berries by the second or third year. The thornless varieties have performed particularly well in my central Ohio garden.
8. Serviceberries
Serviceberry seeds planted in September benefit from natural cold stratification during Ohio winters. These native small trees produce delicious blueberry-like fruits beloved by both humans and wildlife.
Clean the seeds from ripe berries and plant them about a quarter-inch deep in woodland soil. My favorite serviceberry tree started as a seed planted near the edge of our property where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
Also known as Juneberries or Shadbush, these trees add year-round interest with spring flowers, summer berries, and stunning fall color. They’re perfectly adapted to Ohio’s climate and soil conditions.
9. Grapes
September provides Ohio gardeners with a perfect opportunity to plant grape seeds before winter. While commercial varieties are typically grown from cuttings, seed-grown grapes can produce interesting new hybrids.
Extract seeds from locally grown grapes that have proven successful in your area. The cold Ohio winter naturally stratifies the seeds, improving germination rates come spring. Watching my seed-grown grape vines develop unique characteristics has been fascinating.
Plant seeds about half an inch deep in well-draining soil. Native American varieties like Concord and Catawba have genes well-adapted to Ohio’s climate and tend to produce more reliable seedlings.
10. Cherries
Sour cherry seeds planted in September experience the perfect natural stratification during Ohio’s winter months. These hardy fruits grow surprisingly well from seed and adapt to local conditions.
Clean seeds thoroughly and plant them about an inch deep in well-draining soil. A gardening friend in Cleveland started an entire cherry orchard from seeds collected from her grandmother’s tree, proving how well they can perform.
While sweet cherries struggle in parts of Ohio, sour cherries like Montmorency thrive throughout the state. Seed-grown trees may take 4-7 years to fruit but often show excellent disease resistance and cold hardiness.
11. Blueberries
Growing blueberries from seed in September gives Ohio gardeners unique varieties adapted to local conditions. The tiny seeds benefit from winter’s cold to break dormancy naturally.
Extract seeds from ripe berries and rinse thoroughly before planting in acidic soil. My aunt in southern Ohio has been growing blueberries from seed for decades, selecting and propagating the best performers for our climate.
Create a dedicated bed with pine needles or peat moss mixed into the soil to lower pH. While commercial varieties are typically propagated by cuttings, seed-grown plants often show greater vigor and disease resistance in Ohio gardens.