Fall is the perfect time for Connecticut gardeners to plan for a fruitful year ahead. Planting from seed is a rewarding way to grow your own fresh produce.
These 14 fruits are easy to start now for a delicious harvest later. Connecticut gardeners will appreciate how simple and rewarding it can be.
1. Apples
Fall’s favorite fruit grows surprisingly well from seed in Connecticut’s climate. Just save seeds from local varieties for best results.
The Constitution State’s cool autumns provide perfect conditions for apple seeds to stratify naturally. Remember that seed-grown trees won’t match the parent fruit exactly, but that’s part of the adventure!
2. Pears
Saving seeds from locally grown pears gives you a head start on these long-lived trees. Connecticut gardeners find fall planting helps with natural cold stratification.
While taking patience (up to 7 years for first fruits), the reward is worth it. The Nutmeg State’s climate supports several varieties, creating decades of sweet harvests once established.
3. Strawberries
Wild strawberry seeds can be collected or purchased for fall planting across Connecticut. They require minimal preparation—simply scatter on prepared soil and cover lightly.
Many Connecticut gardeners find these tiny berries pack more flavor than store-bought varieties. Alpine types work particularly well, producing small but intensely sweet fruits throughout summer months.
4. Blackberries
Extracted from ripe berries, blackberry seeds benefit from Connecticut’s natural winter conditions. Plant them in fall for natural cold stratification that improves germination rates.
Many Connecticut backyards have perfect partially shaded spots for these vigorous plants. Once established, they’ll reward you with years of juicy berries while requiring minimal maintenance.
5. Raspberries
Raspberry seeds from fresh berries can be started in Connecticut’s fall garden beds. Gently wash pulp away, then dry briefly before planting in nutrient-rich soil.
Throughout the Constitution State, these seeds benefit from natural winter stratification. While slower than growing from canes, seed-grown plants often develop superior disease resistance suited to local conditions.
6. Watermelon
Starting watermelon indoors from saved seeds gives Connecticut gardeners a jump on the growing season. Begin in biodegradable pots during late fall for transplanting next spring.
The Nutmeg State’s shorter growing season means choosing quick-maturing varieties. Sugar Baby and other compact types perform best, ripening before autumn’s chill arrives.
7. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe seeds saved from local melons adapt well to Connecticut’s growing conditions. Start them indoors in fall using seed-starting mix for spring transplanting.
Many Connecticut gardeners find pre-sprouting between damp paper towels speeds germination. Choose shorter-season varieties like Minnesota Midget that mature quickly in the state’s moderate summer climate.
8. Pumpkins
Save seeds from your Halloween pumpkins for next year’s patch in Connecticut gardens. Wash, dry thoroughly, then store in paper envelopes until spring planting.
The Constitution State’s cool winters provide perfect storage conditions for these seeds. For best results, choose seeds from locally grown pumpkins already adapted to your specific microclimate.
9. Grapes
Connecticut’s climate supports several grape varieties grown from seed. Extract seeds from locally grown grapes, rinse, and plant in small pots of well-draining soil.
Throughout the Nutmeg State, these seeds benefit from natural cold stratification when planted in fall. While taking longer than cuttings, seed-grown vines often develop deeper root systems for drought resistance.
10. Mulberries
Mulberry seeds collected from local trees thrive when planted in Connecticut’s fall gardens. Their natural cold stratification period matches perfectly with the state’s winter climate.
Many Connecticut homeowners appreciate these easy-care trees that produce abundant berries. Once established, they require minimal maintenance while attracting beneficial wildlife to your garden.
11. Elderberries
Fall planting gives elderberry seeds the cold period they need in Connecticut’s climate. Collect from wild plants or purchased berries, clean thoroughly, and sow directly in garden beds.
Across the Constitution State, these native plants support local pollinators while providing nutritious berries. Their adaptability to various soil conditions makes them perfect for challenging garden spots.
12. Persimmons
American persimmon seeds adapt beautifully to Connecticut’s growing conditions. Collect from ripe fruits, clean thoroughly, and plant directly in their permanent location.
The Nutmeg State’s winters provide the perfect stratification period these seeds require. While taking patience to bear fruit, these native trees eventually produce sweet orange fruits after autumn frosts.
13. Pawpaws
North America’s forgotten fruit grows wonderfully from seed in Connecticut gardens. Collect seeds from ripe pawpaws, clean thoroughly, and plant immediately for best results.
Many Connecticut gardeners appreciate these native understory trees that produce tropical-tasting fruits. Their natural habitat along the state’s river valleys makes them perfectly adapted to local growing conditions.
14. Blueberries
Wild blueberry seeds collected from Connecticut’s forests make perfect garden plants. Extract seeds from ripe berries, rinse gently, and plant in acidic soil mix.
Throughout the Constitution State, these native plants thrive in woodland edges and acidic soils. While growing slowly from seed, they eventually develop into productive bushes perfectly adapted to local conditions.