How to Sprout Raspberry Seeds

It usually takes two growing seasons for your plant to become large enough to produce raspberries.

Raspberries, which can be red, black or purple in color, contain small seeds known as "pips." In order to grow a raspberry plant from seeds, follow a transitional process, allowing them to come out of dormancy and adjust to soil and the environment. During this time they sprout, and you can then harden them off and plant them outdoors. Sprouting the seeds takes time so keep them in a sunny place with moist but well-drained soil.

Things You'll Need

• Raspberries
• Food processor
• Mesh strainer
• Sealed container (small)
• Paper towels
• Plastic baggie
• Seed flat
• Potting mix
• Compost

Instructions

Sprout Raspberry Seeds

1. Choose raspberries that you enjoy the flavor of. Place them in a food processor with a little water and pulse it until a juicy pulp forms.

2. Empty the mushy fruit into a mesh strainer over a sink. Push the fruit through the strainer. Spray the remaining pulp with water until only clean seeds are left in the strainer.

3. Place the seeds on a clean paper towel and let them sit until they are dry.

4. Put the seeds into a tightly sealed container and place it in the freezer. Known as stratification, this process stimulates winter conditions so germination occurs. Leave the container in the freezer for two months, preferably December and January.

5. Remove the seeds from the container and place them on a paper towel. Cover them with the paper towel and put it inside a plastic baggie. Place the baggie in your refrigerator for 30 days.

6. Prepare a seed tray with potting mix and place the seeds on it. Cover the seeds with a 1/4-inch layer of compost. The potting mix should have a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You can get a soil testing kit from your local extension office.

7. Water the potting mix, making sure it is damp but not soggy. Cover it with a plastic bag to promote germination.

8. Remove the seed tray after a couple of weeks. The seeds should have sprouted. If not, leave them in a little longer and check regularly.

9. Place the sprouted seeds in a sunny spot and water the potting mix, keeping it well-drained. Once they grow larger move them into small containers with a clay-soil mix with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Harden them off before moving or planting them outdoors.

References

• Container Gardening Tips: Growing Raspberries in Pots
• Raspberries: Raspberry Varieties
• USA Gardener: How to Grow Raspberries
• Penn State College of Agriculture: Red Raspberry Production