Have you ever considered growing a tree from the pit? Just imagine, the seed from the fruit you have bought in your local supermarket can turn into a whole tree! If you are patient enough for such a journey, then we have prepared some tips on growing peach trees!
Can You Grow a Peach Tree from a Pit?
There is something intriguing and mysterious about growing peaches since there's a possibility that the resulting peach fruit won't be the same as its parents. And don't forget, growing the three will take time, and we mean years by time! And in this article, we have gathered some tips on how to do it!
As you can guess from the title of the article, obviously, you can grow your own peach tree from seed. And a lot of enthusiasts will try it or have already started the process. Peach is a great choice to grow due to its beauty and tasty fruits. But it's hard to say that you can predict the result – as we have already mentioned, the freshly-grown peach fruit can differ from its “parents.” Also, there are some chances it won't bear fruits at all. Still, it is not a big deal when you have valuable tips on planting a peach pit; it doesn’t matter if it's hard or easy.
Simple Steps of Growing Peaches from Seed: Peach Growing Stages
Step 1. Preparing Peach Seeds
Obviously, before planting the seed, you need to prepare it.
- To avoid the risk of mildew and mold, clean the pit meticulously. You can use a toothbrush; it will help clean away tiny parts of the fruit's flesh.
- Mix 10 parts water to 1 part bleach, dip the pit into it or use a fungicide alternatively. Both options will prevent a lot of possible issues.
- Let it dry at room temperature. It can take a few days.
If you want to grow the tree faster, here is some helpful advice, you can remove the outer layer of the pit with a nutcracker (it's optional). But be extremely careful and don't harm the seed itself.
Step 2. Germination Phase
Lazy approach
- Plant a prepared seed three-four inches deep in a good-quality potting mix.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- You can cover it in the mulch for additional protection if it's winter.
Approach for control freaks. This one will suit people who want faster and more excellent results.
- Until early winter, place a seed in a cool place. By the way, peaches need four months of cold treatment.
- After that, bathe the pit in water for a few hours. It will help to begin the germination process.
- Then, place it in the plastic bag with a bit of moist peat moss. You can use vermiculite as well.
Step 3. Potting the Seeds
If the germination was successful and the seed has sprouted, wait until the roots grow for at least 1in (2.5cm) long. Then, it's time to choose where to plant the baby! In this case, a rich soil-free potting mix is the best.
- First of all, carefully remove the sprout from the bag. Do your best not to harm the tiny roots.
- Then choose an optimal size container – 12 inches deep (30cm) is a good choice.
- Mix sphagnum moss, peat moss, and potting mix.
- Finally, plant the peach seed cautiously!
How to Plant a Peach Seed
If you want your peach tree to bear fruits, it must be grown outdoors. To do so, follow our tips:
- You need to choose the best placement for the peach. And the most suitable one is where it can get full sun and good drainage.
- After finding such a spot in your garden, dig a hole for the tree.
- Pay attention to the size of the hole. It needs to be adequate to place the roots of the peach seed.
- During the growing season, pay attention to the conditions of the soil. It needs to be slightly moist all the time.
Peach Tree Care Tips
If you have dealt with fruit trees before, our tips won't surprise you. Peach trees don't require any extraordinary care. In general, the primary care tips are as follows:
- These trees need regular watering when there are little rains.
- Proper pruning is also a must. Shaping will improve the quality and quantity of the harvest.
- Pay attention to the look of the peach tree. It will help to recognize signs of some diseases or problems initially.
- Peachtree borers can cause a lot of issues. Compared to other moths, these ones are active during the daylight. If you have noticed reddish eggs on the trunk, you need to take measures immediately because they can kill the tree! Pesticide sprays can kill peach borers quickly.
Our article is focused on the growing process, but it doesn't mean that once the tree has grown, it needs less care. Quite the opposite! You will find a lot of advice on taking proper care of fruit trees on our site.
FAQ
How tall do peach trees grow?
Regular varieties can grow as tall as 25 feet tall. And if you are not a big fan of pruning, its width will be the same. However, the tree should be kept about 15 or fewer feet for better airflow. Dwarf peach trees, in their turn, can be about 6 feet tall.
How long does it take to grow a peach tree?
When growing the tree from the seed, it will take about 3-5 years for a tree to bear fruits. If you are slightly impatient, there is always an option of buying a young tree, and you will get peaches way sooner!
How do you prepare peach seeds for planting?
Unfortunately, you can't plant the seed without preparation, you need to clean and dry it out, and yeah, this process takes time.
