Fall might seem like harvest time rather than planting season, but for Washington gardeners, September offers a perfect window to start certain fruit seeds. The cooler temperatures and adequate soil warmth create ideal conditions for germination before winter arrives.
Whether you’re planning ahead for next year’s bounty or want to get a head start on your garden, these 12 fruits can be successfully planted from seed in September in Washington.
1. Alpine Strawberries
Sweet little woodland gems that produce berries throughout the growing season. Unlike their commercial cousins, alpine strawberries grow true from seed, making them perfect for September planting.
Sow them in containers indoors and move outside in spring after frost danger passes. Their shallow root systems establish nicely during Washington’s mild fall weather, giving them a jumpstart when warmer days return.
2. Hardy Kiwi
Smaller than grocery store kiwis but packed with more flavor! Hardy kiwi seeds benefit from Washington’s natural fall stratification when planted in September. Start them in small pots with well-draining soil mix.
The seeds need cold exposure to break dormancy, making our Washington winter perfect for their development cycle. By spring, you’ll have seedlings ready for transplanting that will eventually produce sweet grape-sized fruits without the fuzzy skin.
3. Pawpaw Trees
North America’s forgotten tropical-tasting treasure! Pawpaw seeds must be planted fresh and never allowed to dry out, making September harvests perfect timing for immediate planting. Remove seeds from ripe fruit and plant them an inch deep in well-draining soil.
Washington’s natural winter temperatures provide the required cold stratification period these native seeds need. With patience, you’ll enjoy custard-like fruits with flavors resembling banana, mango and vanilla.
4. American Persimmon
Golden-orange fruits of patience that reward Washington gardeners with sweet, date-like flavor. September planting allows persimmon seeds to undergo natural cold stratification during winter months. Clean seeds thoroughly from ripe fruits and plant them 2 inches deep in well-draining containers.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. While slow-growing, these native trees eventually produce abundant harvests and beautiful fall foliage in Washington’s climate.
5. Elderberry Shrubs
Versatile native berries packed with immune-boosting properties! Elderberry seeds benefit from fall planting in Washington’s climate, where natural winter conditions break their dormancy. Crush ripe berries gently and rinse away the pulp to collect seeds.
Plant them in small pots with lightweight potting mix. Keep them outdoors in a protected area where they’ll receive natural winter chill without extreme exposure. By spring, you’ll have seedlings ready for your garden.
6. Serviceberry
Delicate blueberry-like fruits with a hint of almond flavor that birds and humans equally adore. September is perfect for planting serviceberry seeds in Washington, giving them time to stratify naturally over winter. Collect seeds from ripe berries and clean thoroughly.
Plant them 1/4 inch deep in containers filled with moist potting soil mixed with some sand. Place outdoors in a sheltered location where they’ll receive natural winter temperatures without extreme exposure.
7. Aronia Berries
Superfood powerhouses that thrive in Washington’s climate! September planting lets aronia seeds experience natural cold stratification, improving germination rates come spring. Extract seeds from ripe berries and rinse thoroughly.
Plant them in containers with well-draining potting mix and cover lightly. Place in a protected outdoor area where they’ll receive winter chill without harsh exposure. These antioxidant-rich berries develop excellent cold hardiness, perfect for Washington gardens.
8. Honeyberries
Early-ripening blue fruits with tangy-sweet flavor that look like elongated blueberries. September planting allows honeyberry seeds to undergo natural cold stratification during Washington winters. Clean seeds from ripe berries and plant them in small pots with well-draining soil.
Keep moist but not waterlogged. Place outdoors in a sheltered location where they’ll receive winter temperatures without extreme exposure. These hardy Russian relatives of honeysuckle produce fruits weeks before strawberries in spring.
9. Mountain Ash
Vibrant orange-red berries that create stunning visual appeal while attracting birds to your garden. September planting gives mountain ash seeds the natural cold period they need to germinate successfully in Washington. Remove seeds from berries and clean thoroughly.
Plant them in deep containers with well-draining soil mix. Place outdoors in a protected area where they’ll experience winter temperatures. While technically in the rose family rather than true ash, these ornamental trees produce edible berries after cooking.
10. Cornelian Cherry
Ruby-red fruits with a unique sweet-tart flavor that resemble small elongated cherries. September planting provides cornelian cherry seeds with Washington’s natural winter conditions needed to break dormancy. Clean seeds thoroughly from ripe fruits and plant 1 inch deep in containers with well-draining soil.
Place outdoors in a sheltered location where they’ll receive winter chill. These dogwood relatives bloom with yellow flowers in early spring, followed by nutritious fruits that make excellent preserves.
11. Highbush Cranberry
Tart red berries perfect for jellies and sauces that grow on ornamental native shrubs. September planting allows highbush cranberry seeds to naturally stratify during Washington’s winter months. Extract seeds from ripe berries and clean thoroughly.
Plant in containers with moist potting mix and place outdoors in a protected area. Despite the name, these aren’t true cranberries but viburnum shrubs with similar-looking fruits. They thrive in Washington’s climate and provide beautiful white spring flowers.
12. Autumn Olive
Silver-speckled red berries with sweet-tart flavor and extraordinary lycopene content. September planting gives autumn olive seeds time to stratify naturally during Washington winters. Collect seeds from ripe berries and clean thoroughly.
Plant in containers with well-draining soil mix and place outdoors in a protected area. While considered invasive in some regions, managed plantings in Washington gardens can provide nutritious berries. The silverleaf undersides create beautiful contrast when wind rustles through the shrubs.