How to Propagate Peach Trees

Propagating a peach tree takes time and effort to do it right and grow a strong tree. "Propagation" refers to the different methods for growing a plant, either from a seedling or a grafted tree. The easiest way to propagate a peach tree is to use a grafted tree, but the most inexpensive way is to grow it from a seed. It can take several years to grow a full tree from a seed, but it will save you money upfront.

Things You'll Need

• Peach pits
• Hammer
• Zipper plastic bag
• Potting soil
• Pot for plants
• Compost soil

Instructions

1. Find several peach pits from peaches that were grown locally.

2. Wash them with water and let them air dry for 1 week. Break them open using a hammer and remove the small peach seeds inside.

3. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Fill a zipper plastic bag with potting soil and place your seeds into the middle of the dirt. Leave the bag unzipped and upright and place it in your refrigerator. Leave it there for 90 days and do not touch it.

4. Inspect the seeds after 90 days to see if they have grown at all. Once you see some roots forming, you can remove them for planting outside if the weather is warm. If the weather is cold, place the seeds in a soil-filled pot indoors.

5. Prepare your outdoor soil for planting your peach tree. Choose an area where a fully-grown tree would receive sunlight, water, and not interfere with any buildings.

6. Mix compost and fertilizer into your soil outdoors. Plant the seedlings 3 inches in the ground and keep the soil moist at all times, but not wet.

Tips & Warnings

• Peach trees come in different sizes when full grown, from dwarf to 20 feet tall.

References

• Michigan Peach Sponsors: Plant a Peach Pit