How to Start Peach Trees From Seeds

Overview

It's hard to beat the taste of a juicy, fresh picked peach right off a tree in your yard or garden. Grow peach trees from seeds of local crops instead of ones from across the country for best results, since the growing conditions (climate and soil) match. Understand and follow the process required to start a peach tree from a seed and you will soon witness the complete growth period from seed to tree. In 3-5 weeks you'll be able to pick peaches off them.

Step 1

Remove all the flesh on the peach pit. Rinse the pit with water and allow drying.

Step 2

Store until December in safe location, such as a cupboard or drawer. Place the seed in an open plastic bag away from sunlight at room temperature. Soak the peach seed in water overnight.

Step 3

Place some wet soil (peat moss, perlite or vermiculite) in a plastic bag. (Add about one-quarter to one-half cup of the growing media of your choice or enough to completely cover the seed.) Seal the bag.

Step 4

Set the bag inside your refrigerator. In order for the seed to germinate, it must go through a cold treatment or "stratification" process. Keep the temperature in a range from 34 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5

Check the seed after 1 - 1 1/2 months for any sign of root growth. Examine regularly since the process could require up to 3 months to complete.

Step 6

Fill a pot with high quality soil when the root growth reaches 1/2 inch or more. Plant the peach seed 2 inches deep in pot.

Step 7

Water newly planted peach seed. Continue to water when top 1-inch layer of soil dries.

Step 8

Transplant after last chance of freeze passes. Ready the planting area outside for the peach tree through clearing a 3-foot diameter area of all vegetation. Use a shovel of hand trowel to dig a hole the same depth and slightly wider than container holding seed.

Step 9

Place the peach tree in the hole. Fill any gaps around the plant with soil. Pat the soil down to remove any air pockets.

Step 10

Water newly planted peach tree thoroughly. Continue to supply at least 1 inch of water weekly, if rainfall fails to do so.