The Spruce / Steven Merkel

A mature peach tree is a beautiful addition to any landscape.

Why can’t you plant that pit andgrow the same kind of peach?

The answer lies in the way peach trees reproduce.

Almond-shaped peach seed held between finger tips

The Spruce / Steven Merkel

The offspring seed will have characteristics of both parents.

Embrace this uncertain outcome as a fun part of the process.

Carefully scrub away any fruit that clings to the pit with a dry, soft toothbrush.

Materials and tools to plant peach seeds

The Spruce / Steven Merkel

Dip the seed into a bleach solution with 10 parts water to 1 part bleach.

You must provide the same conditions for your seed to germinate.

Many fruit seedsrequire this cold period, but peaches need one of the longest treatmentsabout four months.

Soft toothbrush scrubbing off dirt from peach seed

The Spruce / Steven Merkel

The ideal temperature for this treatment is between 35 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so the refrigerator is perfect.

Choose a large container at least 12 inches tall to allow room for the tap root to develop.

Plant the seed 1 inch deep and keep moist.

Peach seed placed within plastic bag inside refrigerator for cold treatment

The Spruce / Steven Merkel

The tap root will emerge before the top growth appears.

The first leaves to appear will be the seed leaves, orcotyledons.

The following day, place it outdoors for three hours.

Endocarp covering of peach seed cracked open with pliers

The Spruce / Steven Merkel

Plant Your New Peach Tree

Choose a site for your peach with full sun and excellent drainage.

Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the tap root of the peach plant without damaging it.

Keep your peach tree moderately moist through its first growing season.

Peach seed placed in well fertilized soil

The Spruce / Steven Merkel

The sapling will take about three years to reach maturity when it will be capable ofproducing flowers and fruit.

Peach tree sprout growing from potted soil

The Spruce / Steven Merkel

Peach tree sprout pot placed on outdoor table

The Spruce / Steven Merkel

Young peach tree growing in ground surrounded with soil, grass and standing shovel

The Spruce / Steven Merkel