Must-Know Tips For Growing Flourishing Peach Trees From A Humble Seed

Peach trees are a very satisfying to grow, and their summer harvest of sweet juicy fruits is well worth the effort. It's possible to grow a peach tree from the seed (which resides inside the peach pit), but there are some specific tips to follow to do this successfully. One of the first things to consider is if the variety you've selected is suitable for your growing zone. There are a number of cold-hardy peach tree cultivars, and these grow very well in areas with cold winters. 

Peach trees grow in zones from 4 to 10, with most varieties preferring a range of 6 to 8. Since peaches prefer cold climates, they typically require "chill hours," which refers to the amount of cold temperature exposure peach trees require to bear fruit, and most peach trees like a temperature range of between 32 to 45 degrees in winter to thrive. However, there are a number of cold-hardy peach trees, known as "high chill hour" peaches, which specifically prefer zones 4 to 8. So, take the time to learn the cold hardiness of the peach seed you're planting to ensure success — using a seed from a locally-grown peach is your best bet.

You can try planting the peach pit directly, but it won't usually produce a plant. There is a smaller, smooth seed within the pit. However, the seed contains a small amount of cyanide and is toxic to people, so it should not be eaten (via Philadelphia Orchard Project). To retrieve the seed, you must crack the pit open to expose it. However, let the pit dry out thoroughly before doing so. You can use a nutcracker, vise, or even a hammer, but be careful not to injure the seed. Then, pace the seeds into cold storage (in an airtight container in the refrigerator) for a few weeks until it's ready to plant. You can also try soaking the seeds in water for two hours, then placing in potting soil in a plastic airtight bag. This should also be kept in the fridge for five weeks. The cold storage period, known as seed stratification, helps the seeds germinate.

Planting in early autumn, in either a container or the ground, is best. Be sure to choose a well-draining area, or a pot with good drainage. Also, remember to water the planted seeds over the winter when the soil dries out. Be careful not to overwater or let the soil get saturated. If all goes well, your seedlings should emerge in the spring.

Once your seedlings grow to about 1 foot tall, you can transplant them to their more permanent location. Wait until after the last frost date for your location has passed to protect them from possible injury from the cold. Remember, peach trees need a sunny location to thrive and the soil should be rich and well-draining. So, when planting, add plenty of compost to give the seedling a good start. If you have more than one tree, plant them at least 10 feet apart. Make sure the seedling tree gets watered regularly, and it's a good idea to stake it to keep it growing upright. The peach tree will direct its energy toward developing a good root system at first, so it may not produce blossoms for a year. Most peach trees are self-pollinating, but attracting pollinators to your yard and garden always helps.

Mulch your peach tree each spring with a natural mulch containing compost to help provide soil nutrients as the peach seedling matures into a tree. Most peach trees will start bearing fruit within three to four years after planting, but be sure to prune the young trees lightly in early spring to help them form strong branching. Be patient, and eventually you should be rewarded with your own crop of peaches.