How to Grow a Pistachio Tree from Store-Bought Pistachios
1. **Source Your Seeds**: Obtain raw, unsalted pistachios suitable for germination.
2. **Test Seed Viability**: Soak the pistachios in water for 24 hours; use only those that sink.
3. **Stratify the Seeds**: Place viable seeds in a plastic bag with moist sand and refrigerate for about 8 weeks to simulate winter conditions.
4. **Plant the Seeds**: Sow the stratified seeds about an inch deep in a well-draining seed starting mix, and keep them in a warm, sunny location.
5. **Germination**: Maintain consistent soil moisture until germination, which can take several weeks to months.
6. **Transplanting**: Once seedlings are a few inches tall with several sets of leaves, transplant them to larger pots or outdoors if conditions permit.
7. **Care and Maintenance**: Provide full sun and water deeply but infrequently, ensuring good soil drainage.8. **Patience is Key**: Remember, pistachio trees take 7-10 years to mature and start producing fruit, and require both male and female trees for pollination.