Here's The Trick To Germinate Peach Seeds Fast

Nothing tests your patience quite like gardening can. The suspense when waiting for a seed to germinate doesn't make things any better. Peach seeds, in particular, present their own challenges with germination. They typically require a chill period where the seed is kept at a temperature of 32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit to bring the seed out of dormancy. This method is called cold stratification, but you may not actually need to use cold stratification on your peach seed to get it to germinate. Instead, use the paper towel method to increase seed germination rate in your peaches. 

The paper towel method brings the simplicity back to the seed germination process because of the minimal supplies you'll need. It also acts as a method of testing seeds for viability. While there are some differences of opinion when it comes to how long it actually takes the peach seeds to germinate and whether they need cold stratification or not, the paper towel method is worth a shot. However, some monitoring is needed in case your seeds rot, develop mold, or dry out.  

Start by taking a clean paper towel and wetting it with water. Don't worry about overly wetting the towel at this point because that's what the next step is for. Once the towel is wet, wring out the excess fluid and place the towel completely open, on a flat surface. Add peach seeds on one half of the paper towel and cover them with the other side. The seeds should be sandwiched between the top and bottom halves of the paper towel. Fold the edges of the paper towel inwards, almost like you're making an envelope for your seeds. Place your seeds inside a Ziplock bag and seal it shut. Label the bag with the name of the seeds and the date they are being placed in the bag. 

Where you place your bagged seeds is where some gardeners disagree. Some say you can put the sealed bag in a dark location, but others say to place the bag in a refrigerator. Similarly, the reason some recommend putting the bag in the fridge is to partake in the cold stratification process, while others say this isn't necessary. The method where the bag is placed in a dark location, outside of the fridge, is said to germinate seeds in several days compared to several weeks inside the fridge. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.

As straightforward as the paper towel method might be for germinating your peach seed, there are a few challenges you could come across that will affect the success of your seed germination. The first is that the seeds can rot if exposed to excess moisture. Your peach seeds will become mushy and ooze with a foul smelling, white substance. The seeds may also form pits. 

On a related note, peach seeds can also mold. A white fuzz growing on the seeds is indicative of mold. While rotted seeds need to be thrown out, you can actually save moldy seeds. Place them in a cup filled with half hydrogen peroxide and half water for 20 to 30 minutes. You can even use hydrogen peroxide to control powdery mildew in your garden. Both rotting and mold happens because your paper towel is too wet, so don't skip wringing your paper towel before you wrap your seeds up. Additionally, there's no need to continue wetting the paper towel after the first day. 

Another error you want to avoid is not sealing your bag properly. This can cause the paper towel to dry out and your seeds along with it. To prevent your seeds from drying out, ensure the bag is locked properly. An airtight container can also be an alternative to a Ziplock bag.