If you’re a Stardew Valley player looking to maximize your farm’s profits or simply uncover every hidden gem the game offers, you’ve likely heard of the ancient seed. This mysterious item can seem elusive, but it’s one of the most valuable crops you can grow in the entire game. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the ancient seed Stardew Valley—from how to get it to how to grow it effectively.
What is the Ancient Seed?
The ancient seed is a rare item that, once crafted into a plantable seed packet, can be used to grow ancient fruit. This fruit is highly profitable and regrows every 7 days after the first harvest.
There are two main forms:
- Ancient seed (artifact) – A donation item.
- Ancient seeds (plantable) – The version that grows ancient fruit.
How to Get Ancient Seed
Getting your first ancient seed takes some effort and luck. Here’s how you can find it:
1. Artifact Spots (Worms)
Till artifact spots in Cindersap Forest, The Mountains, or The Valley for a chance to dig up the ancient seed artifact. It’s a rare drop, so bring your hoe and keep your eyes open.
2. Fishing Treasure Chests
You may randomly find an ancient seed artifact in treasure chests while fishing.
3. From Monsters
Grubs, bugs, and mutant grubs in The Mines and Mutant Bug Lair have a small chance of dropping it.
4. Traveling Cart
The Traveling Cart, found in the Cindersap Forest on Fridays and Sundays, sometimes sells ancient seeds for a high price. Keep checking back.
5. Artifact Donation Reward
The first time you donate an ancient seed artifact to the Museum, Gunther will reward you with:
- 1 packet of ancient seeds
- The ancient seed crafting recipe
How to Craft Ancient Seeds
Once you have the crafting recipe (unlocked by donating the artifact), you can make ancient seeds from any additional ancient seed artifacts you find.
Crafting recipe:
- 1 ancient seed (artifact) → 1 ancient seeds (packet)
How to Grow Ancient Fruit
Where to Plant
- Outdoors (spring to fall) – Takes 28 days to mature and produces fruit every 7 days afterward.
- Greenhouse – Ideal for year-round growth.
- Ginger Island farm – Also great for continuous harvesting.
Best Practices
- Use quality fertilizer or deluxe speed-gro to enhance growth.
- Plant in your greenhouse or island farm for uninterrupted production.
- Use a seed maker to replicate ancient fruit into more ancient seeds.
Is Ancient Fruit Worth It?
Yes. Ancient fruit is one of the most profitable crops in Stardew Valley.
Selling Prices (without Tiller profession):
- Normal quality: 550g
- Silver: 687g
- Gold: 825g
- Iridium: 1,100g
If turned into wine:
- Ancient fruit wine (aged in cask): up to 3,300g
Replicating Ancient Seeds
Use the seed maker (unlocked at Farming Level 9) to turn ancient fruit into more ancient seeds. Each fruit has a 90% chance to produce 1–3 seeds.
This is the best way to fill your greenhouse or island farm with ancient fruit.
Tips and Tricks
- Prioritize the greenhouse: Plant your first ancient seed here for year-round profit.
- Use kegs: Turn ancient fruit into wine—it sells for much more than jelly.
- Don’t sell your first fruit: Replant it or use it in the seed maker to multiply.
- Use sprinklers: Automate watering with iridium sprinklers to save time.
Final Thoughts
The ancient seed might take time to acquire, but it’s well worth the effort. It’s a key to long-term profit in Stardew Valley and adds a satisfying goal for players who enjoy optimizing their farm. With this guide, you’re well on your way to building a successful ancient fruit operation.
FAQs
1. How do I get my first Ancient Seed Stardew?
You can find the Ancient Seed artifact by digging up artifact spots, looting fishing treasure chests, or defeating certain monsters. Donate it to the Museum to receive a plantable Ancient Seed and the crafting recipe.
2. Can I plant Ancient Seeds in any season?
Outdoors, Ancient Seeds only grow in spring, summer, and fall. However, you can plant them year-round in the greenhouse or on Ginger Island.
3. How long does Ancient Fruit take to grow?
Ancient Fruit takes 28 days to mature and produces a new fruit every 7 days afterward.
4. Can I turn Ancient Fruit into seeds?
Yes. Use a Seed Maker to convert Ancient Fruit into Ancient Seeds. Each fruit has a 90% chance to yield 1–3 seeds.
5. Is Ancient Fruit better than Starfruit?
For continuous harvesting and long-term profit, Ancient Fruit is often considered better, especially when grown in the greenhouse or made into wine.
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