How to Grow a Peach Tree From a Pit

Overview

Peach trees are native to China but grow in Europe and North America as well. Peach pits can be planted directly into the ground, but there is no guarantee that the seeds, which are located inside the pit, will sprout or grow into a peach tree. By using the right strategy, you can ensure your peach tree grows on the first try.

Step 1

Wash a peach pit from a peach that has recently been eaten under the faucet and scrub gently with a sponge to get any remaining fruit off of the pit. Dry the peach pit overnight on a piece of paper towel.

Step 2

Place the dry peach pit in a plastic bag that is mostly sealed, but still has a small, 1-inch opening. Put this in the refrigerator. After a few days, the pit should start to form condensation on the top of the bag. If you see no condensation, add a few drops of water to the bag, shake the bag thoroughly, then pour out the excess water. This will help keep good growing conditions for the pit.

Step 3

Leave the pit in the refrigerator until December, then place the pit in tap water for several hours. Remove the pit from the water and place it back in the bag. Fill the plastic bag with perlite soil, which you can purchase at your local nursery or gardening store, then seal the bag and place it back in the refrigerator.

Step 4

Leave the pit in the refrigerator for one to two months. Once the pit begins to sprout a root, transfer the pit into a small pot of perlite soil. The seed should be placed at least 2 inches down into the soil.

Step 5

Plant the peach sapling outdoors in April. Using a trowel, dig a hole that is about six inches deep. Place the roots in the hole, and cover the pit with about three inches of soil. Water and fertilize when the soil surrounding the peach tree is dry to encourage the steady growth and eventual flowering of the peach sapling.