Top 5 kid-friendly plants for fruity fun at home

Growing plants from seeds can be an exhilarating experience. Watching them sprout and develop into mature plants is truly gratifying. And for sure, when eating some kind of fruit, you thought: if I plant a seed in the ground, will I be able to grow anything? Well, the good news is that you can!
In this article, we'll explore the top 5 plants that are not only easy to cultivate from seed, but will also bring you joy for years to come. So, let's dive in!

#1 Any citrus plants, like Calamondin

You can grow a variety of citrus fruits, such as lemons, tangerines, oranges, and so on right in your home. You have the option of cultivating them as small bonsai trees on your windowsill or as larger trees. When you grow citrus trees from seeds, you can shape them into any desired form. Not only are these plants aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve as efficient air purifiers.
If you want to grow a citrus tree from a seed, it's best to plant it as soon as possible after consuming the fruit. It's recommended to plant several seeds as not all of them will germinate. You can expect to see seedlings sprout about a month after planting.

Care tips:

Citrus plants thrive with frequent and generous watering and misting, but be sure to use warm, but not hot water. It's crucial to keep the soil moist, but avoid over-watering, as this can harm the plant. Wait until the soil is dry about an inch (2.5 cm) before the next watering.
Fertilize the plant about three months after germination. Repot as necessary, once the roots have filled the pot. Don't immediately plant in a large container, as it can negatively affect the root system.
When transplanting, in the first few years, do it 2-3 times a year as the plant grows. After 5 years, transplant once a year or simply change the top layer of soil.
To keep your citrus plant looking beautiful, it's important to shape it properly. This not only helps to create an attractive form but also encourages the plant to produce fruit in the future.

If you care for and shape your citrus plant correctly, it would bear fruit naturally without the need for grafting. However, this should not be expected earlier than in 5 years.

#2 Date palm

Many people want to bring a tropical touch to their home with a palm tree, but mature palms can be quite expensive. However, we can easily grow our own date palm from a seed.
To grow a date palm at home, we can plant seeds extracted from fresh or dried fruits. It's important to make sure the seeds have not gone through any heat treatment.
Before planting, soak the seeds in room temperature water with a biostimulant for 2-3 days. Then, lightly damage the shell with a blade and soak again for the same amount of time before planting in soil.

Care tips:

Be patient as it may take 2-3 months for the seeds to sprout. Once they do, move the pot closer to a window, avoiding direct sunlight.

The humidity of the air is not a big issue, it's good just to wipe the leaves from time to time with a damp cloth and spray the plant in hot weather.
When choosing a container for your date palm, opt for a deep pot rather than a wide one. Use a soil mix specifically for palm trees or create your own by combining equal parts humus, peat, and sand, and put a layer of drainage at the bottom of the container.
Transplant the palm annually until it reaches 5 years, then every 2-3 years with a topsoil change every 6 months.
Water your date palm moderately when the soil layer is 1 inch (2.5 cm) dry. After watering, remove any excess water after 30 minutes to prevent the roots from rotting.
Use specialized fertilizers according to the instructions to nourish the plant.

#3 Pomegranate

Growing a pomegranate bush at home is a feasible task that can add a touch of beauty to your home. The compact bush blooms beautifully and produces medium-sized fruits.
To grow a pomegranate tree at home, you can either collect seeds from fruits bought at the grocery store, or buy ready-made seeds of dwarf varieties at a specialty store. These dwarf varieties begin fruiting in the second or third year after planting and produce fruits that are 1 to 3 inches (3 to 7 cm) in diameter. Although they are slightly smaller than store-bought fruits, they are edible and delicious.
If you choose to collect seeds from a store-bought fruit by yourself, make sure to look for large, hard, cream-colored seeds and separate them from the pulp. Plant several seeds, as not all of them will sprout. The terms for the speed of germination can vary dramatically, ranging from 7 days to 6 months!

Care tips:

Pomegranate trees thrive in a high-humidity environment and require frequent spraying.
Water the plants moderately, allowing the soil to dry out 1 inch deep (2.5 cm) before watering again.
To shape your pomegranate, you can plant multiple seeds in the same container and weave a beautiful braid using three plants. As your pomegranate tree grows, pinch it to shape its crown and determine whether it will become a tree or a bush.
Transplant the tree once a year or change the topsoil until it reaches 5 years of age.

With patience and care, you can enjoy the beauty and deliciousness of a homegrown pomegranate tree.

#4 Avocado

Growing avocados is becoming increasingly popular each year, and it's no surprise since it's easy. However, before you start growing, you'll need to find a suitable seed.
The fruit used to extract the seed for germination should be elastic with a smooth, intact skin. When pressed, the pulp should be slightly indented and immediately bounce back. To determine if an avocado is ready for planting, shake it. If the pit inside moves freely, it's ready to be removed and germinated.
There are two ways to germinate the seed: the closed and open methods:

For the closed method, plant the seed with the blunt end down in a pot with pre-prepared soil. The pointed end should protrude outward by at least 2/3 of its height.
For the open method, carefully make 3-4 holes in the pit with a sharp object. Then, fix the future avocado on matches or toothpicks and place it in a glass of water, with the supports holding the pit in such a way that it remains in the water and is about half-covered. Remember to change the water every 4-5 days.

Both methods will not affect the speed of germination. With proper care, seedlings should appear in about 30-35 days.

Care tips:

Once the avocado sprout has grown to about 1-1,5 inches (3-4 cm) it can be transplanted into a pot with soil (if it was germinated using the open method). Avocado is a hardy plant that can grow in almost any soil, as long as it's loose and allows water and air to reach the roots.
It's best to choose a permanent spot for the avocado in advance since the tree grows quickly, and it can be harmful to move it from place to place. Areas with good lighting are more suitable for the tree, but it should also be protected from direct sunlight. A good location would be by the window on the western side of the room.

Like any tropical plant, avocado is sensitive to changes in temperature. Ideally, the air around the tree should be around 71-78°F (22-26°C). Sudden temperature drops and drafts can cause the tree to shed its foliage.
Dry air can negatively affect the avocado. The optimum humidity level is 65%, so it's necessary to mist the foliage daily at least once or twice. You can also increase the humidity of the air by using a humidifier or placing a tray of wet pebbles or moss nearby.
During spring and summer, avocados need to be watered often and generously, without allowing the soil to dry out. In autumn and winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced to once every 2-3 days. However, it's important not to overwater the plant, as this can cause the roots to decay and the plant to die.
The avocado seed contains a large supply of nutrients, so young seedlings don't need additional fertilizer. The first feeding should be done no earlier than 4 months after transplanting to a permanent place. It's better to use liquid complexes with a high content of nitrogen and potassium as fertilizer, or ready-made formulations for citrus fruits.
The first transplant should be done once the seedling reaches a height of about 6 inches (15 cm). After that, the tree should be transplanted annually, preferably in the spring. Avocado trees older than 5 years should be transplanted once every 3 years.

#5 Cherry

Growing a bonsai or small cherry tree from a seed is another great option for home gardening. With proper care, they can bloom and even produce fruits.
It has been observed that the rate of cherry seed germination is affected by temperature contrast. The greater the contrast in temperature, the faster the seeds will germinate. Various methods are used to speed up the germination of cherry seeds, such as: soaking them in warm water for 3 days, changing the water from time to time. Next, put the seeds in the freezer for 1.5-2 hours, and then place them in a container and pour warm water at 120-130°F (50-55°C). If the seed does not crack after this, this procedure can be repeated.

Care tips:

Then, cracked seeds can be planted in small containers and placed on a cool, light windowsill. Cherry shoots should emerge in about a month. If you planted cracked seeds, the plants may sprout in a week.
Once the seeds have germinated, your plants will need constant care.

Watering should be done carefully and not too frequently, as excessive moisture can cause fungal diseases.
If your plants are planted in fertile soil, fertilizing once every two months should suffice. The tree will begin to bear fruit in 3-4 years.

Cherry trees grown from seeds are more likely to take root and have better immunity, enabling them to bear fruit for the entire allotted period of 30-35 years.

Growing small and beautiful trees is an exciting process that anyone, even children, can enjoy. If you manage to produce fruit, it can be a source of pride for you and your family. Don't be afraid to start and experiment with growing something new. With some practice and patience, success is sure to follow!