Instructions on Planting Peach Seeds

Inside every peach awaits a pit to be planted.

The succulent fruit of the peach tree delights taste buds whether it's eaten straight from the tree or prepared in a dessert. The peach tree provides a tasty and productive addition to any garden or yard. While the process of growing peach trees from seeds requires a lot patience, it demands only basic gardening skills. Gardeners willing to wait for the fruits of their labor will find great satisfaction from planting peach seeds.

Things You'll Need

• Sand
• Peat moss
• Coffee can
• Garden spade
• Mulch

Instructions

Germination

1. Collect peach seeds. Possible sources of peach seeds include: local farms, fruits purchased at markets and ordering from seed companies.

2. Plan to transplant your tree during early spring. Peaches will begin germination in approximately three to four months. Begin peach seed stratification three to four months prior to your climate's last frost. "Stratification" refers to the practice of awakening peach seeds from their dormant state.

3. Create a mixture of one part sand to one part peat moss. Use the garden spade to measure and mix peat moss and sand in a coffee can. Toss the sand and peat moss until the mixture is blended. Moisten the mixture. Add water and mix until the mixture is moist to the touch.

4. Place a peach seed in the center of the mixture. Cover the seed with an additional 2 to 4 inches of moistened soil mixture. Punch holes in the coffee can's lid to encourage air flow.

5. Place the coffee can in the refrigerator or an area that remains between 33 and 41 degrees F for the duration of the stratification. Germination occurs in approximately three to four months. Check seeds for sprouts during this period.

Planting

1. Plant germinated peach tree seeds in rows. Plant seeds 4 inches deep and space plants 24 inches apart.

2. Allow trees to grow to seedling size. Remove and transplant seedlings to permanent growing location.

3. Water transplants thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Peaches thrive in well-drained soil. Amend soil so it is light and sandy on the surface and heavier below grade.

• Pay close attention to the health of young peach trees. Peach trees are susceptible to numerous diseases and pests. Regularly check leaves, fruits and trunks for possible disease or pest infestation.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: Peach Tree Stratification
• Colorado State University Cooperative Extension: Starting Trees from Pits
• "Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening"; Edited by Bradley and Ellis; 1997