Expert: Mike Mascio - 9/24/2009

Question
My seed also came from fresh fruit.  I never had a dormant time.  Can I still grow this,or is it to late?  I have it in soil that is moist. 1 week now.  I have tried this before and nothing happened.

Answer
Joni, it is very rare for a seed to germinate without some period of dormancy. The dormant period emulates the conditions provided in nature. I have read of some seeds that lie dormant for decades before germinating. Fortunately, that is not the case with plants grown in the American garden.

I would leave the seed in the soil over the winter and see if it germinates next spring. Do not water it. Rather, let it stay dry until late winter. Then start watering again and it may germinate. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee it, but there is a strong possibility that this will work.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike