TB writes:
“You recommend getting seeds from low-chill fruits to experiment with/grow fruit trees from seed (for Florida). However, recognizing that fruit tree seeds have random genetics, that suggests that low chill adaptation might not be inherited. Also, experience with apples suggests that some high-chill varieties can do very well in the tropics. [Irvine, California – in Orange County – used to be a commercial production area for apples!]
For experimenting in a warm climate like Florida, why not try seeds from cultivars that are (instead) selected for taste, size, or other features? I have seeds from higher chill varieties (Catalina plum, an awesome white nectarine, a giant yellow apricot, sour cherries, etc.) and am thinking of experimenting with these in my zone 10 area.”
Good questions.
I am not at all against experimentation with planting seeds from fruit trees outside their “proper” range. However, there are a few different questions and assumptions we need to untie here before I get into that.
The reason I recommend planting seeds from varieties which are known to produce in your chill range is because fruit tree seeds do not have truly random genetics.
There is variation in what you’ll get, most certainly, but it isn’t a crapshoot any more than when you have children.
I’m of mixed German and Anglo-Saxon heritage. My wife is mostly Anglo, Irish and Welsh. We are solidly European in our genetics.
None of our children look like this:
Or this:
Instead, my children look pretty similar to my wife and I. Their eye colors range from blue to grey to brown and some of the children have brown hair, others have blonde – but there’s definitely a similarity in build, complexion, facial features and even temperament among our children.
The apple, as they say, does not fall far from the tree.
Genetics in fruit trees are similar. I recommend planting seeds from low-chill varieties in low-chill areas because the resulting offspring are more likely to be adapted to the climate than seeds planted from trees unadapted to the region.
That said, this seems to be more important with peaches and other stone fruit than it is with apples. Apples are a different case. Their relation to chill hours seems to be more fluid. Someone wrote me once and told me they were growing quite a few northern varieties in Zone 9, far from their supposed range.
I planted multiple varieties myself, then never got to see the experiment through because I moved to the tropics and left my mini orchard behind. I also own this book.
Peaches, however, can be really stubborn about blooming when they’re adapted to higher chill hours. I had some Florida King peaches (over 300 chill hours required) which staunchly refused to bloom for me for years.
They were grafted trees. It may be that Florida King peach pits would grow and adapt to a different amount of chill hours – but from what I’ve been told at UF, chill hours tend to be heritable.
By all means, collect and plant seeds from trees outside your range if you’d like to experiment. The genetics are variable and they may or may not work. My recommendation to plant seeds from varieties that grow locally is based on probabilities for chill hour success, not a sure knowledge that it won’t work.
Plant away and see what happens – there’s really no loss, and you may gain a new variety that produces in your area.
You can have greener thumbs by this weekend!
4 comments
Love the anology you gave David :) You should have put a photo of your children too :)
Thank you. I keep them off the ‘net, especially since my own profile has risen.
Hi. hope all good at your end. I was surfing for low chill plants n reached to you..I m too impressed by your well organised nursery I m planning a small size nursery in Pakistan. I would appreciate if you can send me quote for seeds of low chill and zinger fruit trees varieties 0.5 kg each. I understand the graffted plants are more productive but due to high end expenses I m requsting for seeds. specially looking for best 5 /6 varieties each in Apple, plum, peach, pomegranate, aprium, cherry , kamquat. I know that it’s very little order for you but it will be a life changer for me. we ve many varieties here but looking for new and best one again. shall be highly obliged for this favour. Expacting to hear soon. regards n best wishes.
Rashad
Sorry, Rashad – I cannot help you.
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