Can You Plant a Peach Tree From a Pit?

Grow peach trees from pits for an economical alternative to nursery seedlings.

Peach trees thrive in locations with mild winters and springs and warm summers. Growing them from seed in these regions yields good-quality fruit within three to five years, although the fruit may be slightly different than that produced by the parent tree. In colder areas, plant trees in a location with a northeastern exposure to delay blooms which may be nipped by late spring frosts. Peach trees in these regions may not produce fruit reliably. Does this Spark an idea?

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Choosing Seeds
- Search farm stands and markets for locally grown peaches, which are more likely to thrive in your garden than peaches shipped from other areas. Seeds from mid-to-late season peaches sprout more reliably than early season peaches, according to Mother Earth News. Save seeds from the tastiest peaches you find for your peach growing project.
Preparing Seeds
- Wash the peach pits and store them in a dry location, such as the kitchen counter, for a few days. The peach pits will dry out and shrink slightly, making them easier to crack. Open the peach pits with a vise or nutcracker to reveal the almond-like seed. Place the seeds in a covered container and store them in the refrigerator. Four months before the last spring frost, start the process of stratification or chilling the seeds to prepare them for germination. Soak the seeds overnight in tepid water and store them in moistened potting soil in the refrigerator. Check on the seeds monthly. When you see fat, white roots emerging from the seeds, it's time to pot them.
Planting
- Plant your peach seeds in peat moss pots or clean milk carton containers with drainage holes cut in the bottoms. Store them in a sunny, warm location and keep the soil evenly moist. Plant the seedlings after the last expected frost in a sunny location with at least 12 to 18 feet between each tree. Amend the soil with organic matter so it is well-drained and fertile. Peach trees prefer a neutral pH; amend the soil with lime if it is acidic.
General Care
- Keep the soil evenly moist after planting and spread a 3-inch layer of wood chips, straw or hay mulch around the base of the tree, starting 3 inches from the trunk and extending 3 feet out. Prune the tree only to remove dead or diseased limbs, low-hanging limbs or limbs that rub against each other. With proper care, your tree will produce fruit within three to five years.