Guide on Growing a Peach Tree by Seeding a Peach Pit
In early spring, you can embark on a fascinating horticultural journey by growing a peach tree from seed. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you succeed in this rewarding endeavour.
First, obtain a mature peach pit and clean it thoroughly. To break dormancy, stratify the seed by drying the pits on your counter for several days, then placing them in moist sand or peat moss in a sealed plastic bag inside the refrigerator for about 6 to 8 weeks at near 40°F. This cold stratification simulates winter and encourages germination.
Next, plant the seed indoors in a 4–6 inch pot filled with well-draining soil consisting of roughly 50% high-quality potting mix, 25% perlite or pumice, and 25% fine compost, with a pH around 6.0–7.0. Make a hole 1.5–2 inches deep and place the seed with the pointed end or emerging root downward. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, at 65–75°F, with bright light for about 16 hours daily to encourage strong growth.
Once the seed germinates and a rootlet appears, pot it promptly before roots dry or kink. After the seedling develops 2–3 true leaves, you can fertilize lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength every 10–14 days. Start multiple seeds and select the healthiest seedling to increase success.
When ready to transplant outdoors, prepare a planting hole at least as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Carefully remove the seedling from its pot, trim any dead roots, and position it so the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firm the soil to eliminate air pockets, and create a watering basin around the tree, sloping soil away from the trunk to avoid rot. Apply 3–4 inches of compost and then 4 inches of mulch around the base, keeping mulch several inches from the trunk. Water immediately with about 5 gallons and adjust watering during dry periods. Protect young trunks from sunburn if needed with tree guards or diluted white paint.
Growing from seed can take several years before fruiting (often 3–5 years), and seedling trees may vary in quality compared to grafted varieties. However, following these stratification, germination, planting, and transplanting steps will give you the best chance for successful non-grafted peach trees.
Before transplanting seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by moving them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the length of time over the course of a week. In some cases, it may not happen at all that the peach tree grown from a seed will fruit.
To grow a peach tree from seed, follow a few preparatory steps, including stratification. Once dry, use a nutcracker or pliers to extract the true seed inside. After a month in the fridge, remove the seeds and soak them overnight. Then place the seeds in a plastic baggie filled with moist potting soil or a damp paper towel inside a closed baggie.
For the best chance of success, use organic peaches from the grocery or better yet, peaches from a known non-grafted variety. If propagating in fall, you can either plant the seed directly into a prepared bed outdoors, or place the seed into a refrigerator for four months.
Growing a peach tree from seed requires some patience, as it will take several years before fruiting occurs. Peach seeds require well-draining soil with an average pH. Typical bagged potting soils work well, like MiracleGro Potting Mix. Once seeds sprout, keep them in the refrigerator until outdoor temperatures warm enough to plant out the new seedlings. Choose a full sun location and check the soil. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter and ensure it drains freely.
Transplanting seedlings can be done outdoors, but it's important to gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by moving them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the length of time over the course of a week.
Proper soil preparation is crucial when transplanting seedlings. Choose a full sun location and ensure the soil drains freely, using a well-draining soil mixture like MiracleGro Potting Mix for the best results.
