Ever consider putting the seed of a wonderful fruit to establish a new tree? Peach and apricot trees may be produced from seed, despite the fact that common fruits are often propagated by grafting. Read on to see how! While sowing the seeds of apples, pears, plums, and cherries might also result in a new tree, the seedling tree’s fruit will rarely resemble that of the parent tree.
- In many instances, even seeds from the apple with the finest flavor can produce a tree with inedible or low-quality fruit.
- A seedling tree also lacks the dwarfing characteristics of a tree grafted on a dwarfing or semi-dwarfing rootstock, therefore a seedling apple tree may reach a height of 30 feet.
For these reasons, vegetative propagation by grafting is the principal method for producing new fruit trees. Peaches and apricots are often true to seed, meaning that a seedling tree will resemble the parent tree and produce identical fruit. Although peach and apricot trees are grafted in commercial orchards, a seedling tree is an excellent alternative for a backyard or community garden orchard.
Growing trees from seed is both free and a delightful activity for young orchardists. Planting Peach Tree Seedlings Save the pits from locally farmed, fully ripe, delicious fruits. Clean pits removing all fragments of fruit with a brush and water. Let dry over several days on your counter, with ventilation if you can.
The seed can be extracted by dismantling the pit. You can use a vise, nut cracker, or hammer as a last resort. Please be careful not to let anyone consume this seed, as it contains a small quantity of cyanide, which is poisonous. Optional step that increases germination.
- Eep your seeds cold until you are ready to start the germination process – in an airtight container in the fridge is preferable.
- In fall, plant numerous seeds or pits 3-4′ deep into a container, or even directly into ground.
- Water well.
- If in pot, bury pot into ground so that the top of the pot and soil line are even.
Top with several inches of mulch for further insulation. Be cautious to find a spot that does not sit saturated with water. Your seeds must be protected from predators, particularly squirrels. Add a protective cage or hardware cloth around the pot, including a few inches into the soil.
- During the winter, water only when the soil is fully dry, but be careful to water deeply when the weather warms.
- In April, seedlings should appear.
- Replant the strongest of your seedlings when they grow to over a foot tall.
- Choose a well draining area with full sun.
- In general, peach trees should bear fruit within three to five years.
To germinate, peach seeds must endure a cold winter season, often known as cold stratification. If you reside in a warm climate, you can recreate the chilly temperatures necessary for seed germination in your refrigerator. Start the process approximately four months before the final day of spring frost.
Soak seeds overnight in room temperature water. Place seeds in a bag or container containing moistened potting soil. Store in refrigerator. The objective is to keep them cold and wet, but not moldy. Between one and three months, depending on the type of peach, you should observe the emergence of thick, white rootlets.
The optimal period to plant is around one month before the final frost. Even if grown earlier, refrigerate sprouted seeds until that time. Plant in a container at least 12 inches deep, or straight into the soil. Should receive 1″ each week of precipitation or irrigation. 
If you’ve started a peach from seed, please tag us on social media with @phillyorchards – we’d love to follow along! MORE INFO: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/growing-fruit-trees-zmaz08jjzmcc.aspx?PageId=1 http://www.garden.org/foodguide/browse/fruit/peach/1387 This version of POP TIPS was revised by Education Director Corrie Spellman-Lopez with assistance from POP Intern Rachel Baltuch.
How long must peach seeds dry before being planted?
Allow the pit to dry fully overnight. Before peach pits or seeds are placed in cold storage, they must be allowed to dry completely to prevent mold growth.
The peach seed or pit can be planted straight into the soil in the fall. In a mixture of organic soil and compost, plant your peach pit three to four inches deep. Cover the seed with one to two inches of mulch to protect it from harsh winter weather. Maintaining a wet, but not drenched, soil, water the seed while avoiding over-watering.
Can a peach tree be grown from a pit?
How to Plant a Peach Stone – As previously said, peach seeds are planted in the fall. They should be planted in well-draining soil, ideally amended with compost or other organic matter. Plant the hole around three to four inches (eight to ten centimeters) deep, then cover it with approximately one inch (2.5 centimeters) of straw or equivalent mulch for the winter.
Are peach trees simple to cultivate?
Peach Trees Need Full Sun and Good Air Circulation – Avoid planting your peach tree in the shade of another tree or a structure. To develop properly, peach trees require full light. As these trees may reach a height of 15 feet and a width of 20 feet, make sure they have adequate room to flourish. Furthermore, air circulation is essential, thus an elevated position is ideal.
