Should I Plant Ancient Seed? Absolutely! Here’s Why
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Yes, you absolutely should plant Ancient Seed in Stardew Valley. It’s one of the most valuable and game-changing crops you can cultivate, providing a consistent source of Ancient Fruit that can be used for crafting, gifting, or, most profitably, turned into Ancient Fruit Wine in kegs. The long-term benefits far outweigh any initial concerns or delays.
Why Ancient Seed is a Game Changer
The Ancient Seed represents a cornerstone of a successful Stardew Valley farm, primarily because of its potential for massive profit. Its fruit, the Ancient Fruit, grows continuously after maturing and sells for a high base price. Transforming this fruit into wine significantly increases its value. The investment required to start an Ancient Fruit farm is quickly recouped, setting the stage for substantial income.
Beyond just the financial aspect, the Ancient Seed also represents a sense of progression. Finding it typically marks a mid-to-late game stage, providing a rewarding feeling of accomplishment and a tangible boost to your farming empire. Let’s delve into the details of how to maximize the benefits of planting this invaluable seed.
Getting Started with Ancient Seed
Finding the Ancient Seed
The Ancient Seed artifact is relatively rare, but it can be found in several ways:
- Monster Drops: Bugs, Mutant Flies, Grubs, and other monsters in the Mines and the Mutant Bug Lair have a small chance of dropping it.
- Fishing Treasure Chests: Fishing is another viable way to unearth the Ancient Seed.
- Artifact Spots: Digging in artifact spots (those wiggly worms sticking out of the ground) offers a tiny chance.
- Seed Maker: Using the Seed Maker on other crops has a minuscule chance to yield an Ancient Seed, though this is a late-game option.
Turning Artifact into Plantable Seed
Once you have the Ancient Seed artifact, take it to the Museum and donate it to Gunther. He’ll reward you with a pack of Ancient Seeds (plantable) and the crafting recipe to create more from Ancient Fruit using a Seed Maker. This recipe is vital for expanding your Ancient Fruit crop.
Planting and Growing Ancient Fruit
Seasonality and Location
Ancient Fruit plants take 28 days to mature, but thereafter produce fruit every seven days. They can be grown in Spring, Summer, and Fall. They cannot be grown in Winter outdoors. The best approach is to plant them in the Greenhouse as soon as possible. The Greenhouse allows you to grow Ancient Fruit year-round, maximizing your profits. Another option is Ginger Island, which also allows year-round growth.
Optimizing Growth
- Fertilizer: Use Deluxe Speed-Gro to accelerate the initial growth period. Even a small reduction in the initial 28-day growth time can add up when planting large quantities.
- Sprinklers: Utilize Iridium Sprinklers to automate watering. These sprinklers cover a large area and free up valuable time for other tasks.
- Trellis: Remember that Ancient Fruit is a trellis crop, meaning you won’t be able to walk through the plants once they’re grown. Plan your layout carefully.
Maximizing Profit with Ancient Fruit
Wine Production
The most profitable use for Ancient Fruit is to turn it into Wine. Kegs produce wine, and Ancient Fruit Wine is one of the most valuable wines in the game. Fill your shed(s) with kegs and continually process your harvest.
Selling Directly
While wine is more profitable, selling the fruit directly is a good option for early harvests before you have sufficient kegs. The base selling price is already quite high.
The Importance of Seed Makers
The Seed Maker is essential. It allows you to continually replant your harvests, expanding your Ancient Fruit farm exponentially. Dedicate a shed solely to Seed Makers to keep up with your fruit production.
Dealing with Potential Challenges
Crop Failure
While Ancient Fruit is a hardy plant, it can still be struck by lightning during storms or eaten by crows if you don’t have scarecrows. Prioritize protecting your crops.
Initial Wait Time
The 28-day initial growth period can feel long. Be patient and focus on other aspects of your farm while you wait. Once the first harvest comes in, the continuous production will begin.
Limited Early Seeds
Your initial Ancient Seeds will be limited. Use them strategically. If you don’t have access to the Greenhouse or Ginger Island, plant them at the start of Spring to get the maximum number of harvests before winter.
FAQs: All You Need To Know About Planting Ancient Seed
1. What happens if I plant Ancient Seed outside in Winter?
The plant will wither and die. Ancient Fruit can only be grown in Spring, Summer, and Fall outdoors. If you have the Greenhouse or access to Ginger Island, you can grow them year-round.
2. How long does it take for Ancient Fruit to grow?
It takes 28 days for Ancient Fruit to mature initially. After that, it produces fruit every 7 days.
3. Is it better to sell Ancient Fruit or make wine?
Making wine is significantly more profitable. A regular Ancient Fruit sells for 750g, while Ancient Fruit Wine sells for 1650g (before aging). Iridium quality wine sells for 3300g.
4. How do I get more Ancient Seeds after planting my first one?
Use the Seed Maker to turn Ancient Fruit into Ancient Seeds. This is the most reliable way to expand your crop.
5. Can I plant Ancient Fruit on Ginger Island?
Yes! Ginger Island allows you to grow Ancient Fruit year-round, making it an excellent location for expanding your Ancient Fruit empire.
6. Do Ancient Fruit need to be watered every day?
No, if you have sprinklers irrigating your crops. Otherwise, yes, they need to be watered daily (except on rainy days).
7. What is the best fertilizer for Ancient Fruit?
Deluxe Speed-Gro is the best fertilizer to reduce the initial 28-day growth period.
8. Does the quality of the Ancient Fruit affect the quality of the wine?
Yes! The quality of the Ancient Fruit (regular, silver, gold) affects the base price of the wine.
9. How many Ancient Fruit plants should I aim to have?
That depends on your goals and resources. A full Greenhouse can support a comfortable income stream. Many players aim for hundreds or even thousands on Ginger Island!
10. Are Ancient Fruit vulnerable to crows?
Yes, they are. Use scarecrows to protect your crops.
11. Can Ancient Fruit trees be struck by lightning?
Yes, they can. Use lightning rods to protect them during storms.
12. What should I do if I find another Ancient Seed artifact after I’ve already donated one?
Donate it again! Gunther will provide another pack of plantable seeds.
13. What is the selling price of Iridium Star quality Ancient Fruit Wine?
Iridium Star quality Ancient Fruit Wine sells for 3300g.
14. Is it worth using a Seed Maker on Ancient Fruit if I only have a few?
Absolutely! It is always worth using a seed maker on Ancient Fruit unless you have a massive supply already. Getting more seeds is crucial to expanding your farm.
15. Can I use Ancient Fruit for anything besides wine and selling?
Yes! You can use it as a gift for certain villagers (most like it), eat it for a small energy boost, or use it in a few crafting recipes, though the value derived from these other uses is much smaller when compared to the production and sale of wine.