How to Plant Peach Pits

Peach pits, or seeds, are a great way to start growing your own peach trees. Here's how to plant them and grow your own delicious peaches.

Selecting the Right Pit

The first step is selecting a good pit to plant. Select pits from ripe, juicy peaches that you have eaten. Rinse the pits and allow them to dry completely. Look for pits that are not cracked, split, or warped. These may have been damaged during the drying process or while in storage.

Preparing the Pit

Most peach pits have a hard outer shell that needs to be broken. With a hammer, carefully tap around the outer shell to crack it. Use caution to avoid damaging the interior seeds. Once cracked, remove the outer shell, exposing the inner seed.

Planting the Pit

Start by filling a pot or flats with potting soil. Place the seed in the center of the pot, pointed end up. Cover the pit with a layer of soil, about 1 inch deep. Water the soil and place the pot in a sunny location.

Caring for the Seedling

Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet. The seedling will start to sprout in approximately 2-3 weeks. Allow the plant to grow until it reaches a height of 6-8 inches. This will take about 3-4 months.

Transplanting the Tree

Once the seedling has reached the desired height, it's time to transplant it to a permanent location. Select a sunny spot in your yard that has well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is the same depth as the pot and twice as wide. Place the seedling in the hole and cover it with soil. Water the soil thoroughly.

Growing the Tree

As your peach tree grows, it will require regular watering and fertilizing. Water the tree deeply once a week or more frequently during hot, dry weather. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer months.

Harvesting the Peaches

Your peach tree will begin to produce fruit in 3-4 years. Harvest the peaches when they are ripe by gently twisting and pulling them from the tree. Store the peaches in the refrigerator or eat them fresh.

Conclusion

Planting peach pits is a fun and rewarding experience. With a little patience and care, you can grow your own peach tree and enjoy delicious, homegrown peaches. So go ahead and give it a try!