Moreton Bay fig tree seeds can be germinated by the following 5 steps:
- Pick Ripened Fruit from Tree (not green).
- Separate the seeds from the fruit.
- Mix and shake the seeds in hydrogen peroxide (6% mix) (separated fertile from infertile seeds)
- Place the seeds in a seedling potting mix.
- Transfer germinated seeds into separate grow pots with a suitable moisture-retaining potting mix.
In the natural world, ficus trees (fig trees) seeds are germinated by fig tree wasps. But if you follow my steps, you will be able to successfully do this on your own without the help of any wasps.
Seed germination 30 days
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Pick Ripened Fruit from Tree
When the fruit from a Moreton Bay fig tree turns from green to purple (with yellow spots) it is now ready to be picked.
Depending on where you are located these trees could be fruiting on and off all year round.
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Separate the Seed from The Fruit
Using your hands or a spoon, break up the fruit and separate the seeds from it as best you can.
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Separate the Fertile Seeds from The Infertile Seeds
To separate the fertile and infertile Moreton Bay fig tree seeds you will first need to remove all of the sugars and fruit flesh still on the seeds.
Fill a sealable bottle (i.e. bottle with a lid) with the peroxide (6% mix) and put all of your seeds in. Put the lid on and then shake the bottle vigorously. This will help break down any sugars or flesh on the seed.
Once done, let the bottle sit. The fertile seeds will float to the bottom of the jar, and the non-fertile seeds will float to the top.
To tip out the floating seeds keep filling the container up with fresh water so the floating seeds can be poured out the top leaving the fertile seeds on the bottom.
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Place The Seeds On Seedling Potting Mix
Fill a grow pot with a seedling potting mixture.
Then spread the seeds on top of the potting mix. The seeds don’t need to be buried in the soil.
Cover the pot and seeds with a plastic bag, this will increase the moisture retention and heat which will encourage the seeds to germinate. Germination can take up to one month to start happening.
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Plant Germinated Seeds Into Separate Containers
Once your fig tree seeds have started to grow you can separate them and replant them in some larger trays. Be careful when separating the germinated seedlings so you don’t damage the root system.
Supply:
- Hydrogen peroxide (6%)
- Seedling potting mix
Tools:
- Bottle with a lid (plastic or glass)
- Hydrogen peroxide (6%)
- Grow tray
FAQs
Can You Grow a Moreton Bay Fig Tree from Seed?
Yes, you can pick the ripe purple and yellow-spotted fruit from a fruiting Moreton Bay fig tree and (following the above steps in this guide) germinate them to grow your own Moreton Bay fig tree.
Does a Moreton Bag Fig Tree Require Fig Wasps to Germinate Seeds?
The fig wasps are how the seeds inside of the Moreton Bay fig tree are germinated in nature. However, you can still germinate the seeds without the help of a fig wasp by planting your own seeds.
What Do Moreton Bay Fig Tree Seeds Look Like?
Fertile Moreton Bay fig tree seeds are a light brown/tan colour.
What Does Moreton Bay Fig Tree Fruits Look Like?
Ripe Moreton Bay fig tree fruit is a purple colour with yellow spots.
They start off a green colour and then turn more yellow until they are ripe.
Can You Eat the Fruit from A Moreton Bay Fig Tree?
Yes, you can eat the fruit of a Moreton Bay fig tree, but the taste isn’t very palatable. Of all the ficus trees native to Australia apparently the Port Jackson fig is the best tasting, or maybe just the least bad.