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Step 1
Check Your Zone
To grow a peach tree, you must be in the right zone. If you aren’t sure that peach trees grow in your area, you may go to the Arbor Day Foundation website in the resource section below. Simply type in your zip code and it will let you know what types of trees can be grown in your zone. -
Step 2
Gather Pits
Gathering pits can be enjoyable. Sample peaches from the trees of friends and family, or local farmer’s markets. If you find a particularly tasty peach, make sure you save the seed for growing your own tree. -
Step 3
Germinating the Seed – Method 1
The important thing to know about a peach seed is that it must get cold before it will germinate. This is called stratification. You can collect peach seed throughout the summer and then directly sow them into the ground in the fall. Make sure the area is free from grass and weeds. Plant them 4 inches deep and plant them in a row. Mark the location of your row. Mulch the area. In the spring, watch for sprouting and be sure to water during dry spells. -
Step 4
Germinating the Seed – Method 2
Three months before your last frost date, place the seed in a small pot or cup filled with good potting soil or compost. The pot will need to be small enough to fit into a ziplock baggie. Dampen the soil, being careful not to make it soggy. Place the pot inside a plastic baggie. Zip the baggie closed. Place it inside the refrigerator until your last frost date has passed. Take the pot out of the bag and place in a sunny window keeping the soil moist and the temperature at about 70 degrees. Spring is a great time to transplant the tree outdoors. When you are ready to transplant your tree, clear the area of weeds and grass. Keep the new tree well mulched and watered. Don’t forget to mark the location of your tree with a stake, so you do not accidentally mow over it.
Comments
sherry2ls said
on 11/15/2009 I Live in Texas and planted some peach pits they are already sprouting the oldest one is about 2 inches tall. Do I need to bring them in the house for the winter, also when should I fertilize them.
heatherbluesky said
on 2/13/2009 I've always wondered how to grow a tree from seed. I am going to collect peach pits and see if I can do this.
prism said
on 11/16/2008 Great information! I am not in a zone where peaches will grow but my son and I love to experiment with starting seeds from food. We just started some pomegranate seeds last week and they are coming up! Never tried a peach but would be fun and we could grow it as a potted patio tree to bring indoors for the winter.
phlyp said
on 10/31/2008 I cut my peach open that had been in the fridge and the seed was in half and the white part had a little green shoot. So I out it in dirt and it's now about a foot and a hlf tall but no leaf pairs...it's indoors and gets lots of light. Is this normal? when can I expect leaves?
heatherschulte said
on 9/11/2008 skcalkins: I wouldn't recommend removing the seed from the pit. Just use a pair of vice grips to crack the pit slightly. Be careful not to damage the seed inside when you do this. If you are going to bury the pit outside, cold weather usually cracks the pit for you. That is nature's way.