08.06.2024
How to Grow a Pistachio Tree From Store-Bought Pistachios
- Get your seeds: Get raw, unsalted pistachios, suitable for germination.
- Test seed viability: Soak pistachios in water for 24 hours; only use those that sink to the bottom.
- Stratify the seeds: Place viable seeds in a plastic bag with damp sand and refrigerate for about 8 weeks to simulate winter.
- Plant the seeds: Sow stratified seeds about an inch deep in well-draining starting mix and store in a warm, sunny location.
- Germination: Maintain constant soil moisture until germination occurs, which may take several weeks or even months.
- Transplanting: Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have several sets of leaves, transplant them into larger pots or outdoors, if appropriate.
- Care and maintenance: Provide full sun and water deeply but rarely, ensuring good soil drainage.
- Patience is key: Remember that pistachio trees take 7 to 10 years to mature and start producing fruit, requiring both male and female trees for pollination.