September is an exciting month for Wisconsin gardeners who love planning ahead. Certain fruits thrive when started from seed right now.
These 12 are especially worth trying for a rewarding harvest. Plant them this fall and enjoy their fruits for seasons to come.
1. Apples
Growing from seed creates unique varieties unlike store-bought types. Wisconsin’s climate provides perfect winter dormancy these trees need.
Many gardeners across the Badger State find seedling apples surprisingly hardy, often producing fruit within 5-7 years. Just remember each seed is a genetic surprise!
2. Pears
Cold stratification happens naturally when planted in September. The upcoming Wisconsin winter provides ideal conditions for breaking seed dormancy.
Seedling pears might take patience, but Badger State gardeners find the wait worthwhile. Select seeds from varieties that performed well locally for best results.
3. Plums
Fall planting mimics nature’s timing perfectly. Seeds need winter chilling that Wisconsin reliably delivers to trigger springtime germination.
Wild plum varieties adapt especially well to the state’s growing conditions. Many Wisconsin gardeners report successful germination without any special treatment when planted this month.
4. Pawpaw
North America’s forgotten fruit thrives in Wisconsin’s southern counties. September planting allows natural stratification during winter months.
Seeds need cold exposure that the Badger State winter provides naturally. Fresh seeds germinate better than stored ones, so plant soon after extracting from ripe fruit.
5. Elderberry
Quick-growing native berries establish rapidly from fall-planted seeds. Wisconsin’s winter provides natural cold stratification for better spring emergence.
Many gardeners across the Badger State report excellent success rates with September planting. These nutritious berries often produce fruit by their second growing season!
6. Persimmons
American persimmon seeds adapt well to Wisconsin’s southern regions. September planting mimics their natural reproductive cycle, improving germination rates.
The upcoming Badger State winter provides perfect cold stratification. Fresh seeds from fully ripened fruits offer the highest success rates for home gardeners.
7. Mulberries
Incredibly easy to grow from seed with minimal care required. Wisconsin winters naturally stratify the seeds for excellent spring germination.
These fast-growing trees often produce fruit within 3-5 years in the Badger State. Birds absolutely love mulberries, making these trees perfect wildlife attractors for your yard.
8. Grapes
Wild grape varieties from seed adapt perfectly to local conditions. Wisconsin’s climate offers ideal growing conditions for these native vines.
Many Badger State gardeners find seedling grapes more disease-resistant than cultivated varieties. September planting allows natural stratification, increasing germination success come spring.
9. Blackberries
Fall-planted seeds develop stronger root systems before summer heat arrives. Wisconsin’s cold winters provide perfect stratification conditions these seeds require.
Many Badger State gardeners find wild-collected seeds produce exceptionally hardy plants. Seedling blackberries often begin fruiting by their second year with minimal care.
10. Aronia
These super-nutritious native berries thrive in Wisconsin’s climate. September planting allows natural cold stratification during winter months.
Badger State gardeners appreciate their exceptional hardiness and minimal care requirements. Aronia seedlings typically establish quickly and produce fruit within 2-3 years.
11. Serviceberry
Native to Wisconsin, these beautiful trees produce delicious early summer fruits. September planting allows seeds to naturally stratify during winter months.
Badger State gardeners love their four-season appeal with spring flowers and fall colors. Birds adore the berries, making serviceberry seedlings perfect for wildlife gardens.
12. Cranberries
Wisconsin’s state fruit grows wonderfully from seed with proper conditions. September planting allows natural stratification during winter months.
Many Badger State gardeners create mini bog gardens for these native berries. Seedlings require acidic soil conditions but reward patience with distinctive homegrown berries.