Problem with a seedling, of course, is that it will not be true to type. One of the nurseries sells macadamia trees thru HD that carry a label identifying the tree as a "Cate". On the reverse of the tag it is identified as a seedling. I thought we were past this selling seedlings as a specific identifiable, predictable genetic type. Given 10 years looking at a "Cate" seedling production and that of a true grafted or airlayered CATE, would lead to inevitable differences. Growers need predictable outcomes, especially after an investment of time and $. Ten years from planting the seedling's crop could just be junk. Difficult enough differences caused by climate, soil, water quality, etc. A seedling is a seedling, nothing more. May be better, may be worse than parent(s). To expect a specific outcome from a seedling's variability is unreasonable, and most people know that. So do the nurseries.
Of the 50 or so macadamias I raise, about a half are seedlings of unknown parentage. Many, if not most, produce excellent nuts. Some, not. Of the 14 named varieties, grafted, nut quality corresponds with known standards. I don't think we should expect anything less.
Seedling trees graft easily as long as the scionwood is girdled about 3-4 months before cutting. Results are close to 100%.
I only have room for a few trees so y'all have convinced me to go for grafted varieties, thanks for the advice.
Out of curiosity Jack, because you grow a lot of seedlings, is it your experience that most seedlings don't produce for 10-12 years after planting the seed? And what percentage of the seedlings would you say never produce at all?
I'm asking because nurseries tell you that seedlings are generally close to being true to seed, and I just don't see how they get that.
Also, what do Cate nuts taste like, and are their shells significantly thinner?