Starting a peach tree from a pit is not all that difficult but does require some due diligence and patience.
Not all peach pits will germinate, there are a number of variables that effect the viability of the seed. Some seeds are simply not fertile and some are diseased and contaminated.
True to Variety
Peaches also will not always produce fruit true to the parent cultivar, so the peaches you get may not be like the ones you planted.
This is particularly true of hybrids which are bred from two or more parent cultivars. When you grow them, you’ll find that you get fruits that have reverted to the lineage of one parent – and this isn’t always a tasty or desirable variety.
Often times, commercial cultivars are bred for their ability to packaged and shipped rather than for flavor.
Cold Stratification of Peach Seed
To start peaches from seed, a period of cold stratification is necessary. If you plant them directly in the soil in the spring or fall, nature will take care of that for you. If you prefer to start your peach tree indoors you’ll need to cold store the pit[s] for at least two months. Cold stratifying mimics what the seeds would have experienced in nature during their dormant season, winter.
Give the seeds a thorough washing to remove any pulp residue. You will be washing the hard outer shell, not the almond like pit within.
Diluted bleach and water is helpful in reducing the chance of fungus and other contaminants. Bleach is perfectly safe in small amounts and without added detergents. Dilution ratio is roughly 6 parts water to 1 part bleach which works out to about 3 cups of bleach per gallon of water. The small amount of bleach will destroy most contaminants without harming the peach pit.
Soak the peach pit[s] for 30 to 45 minutes before initiating the stratification process. DO NOT SOAK THEM IN THE BLEACH WATER, that was only for cleaning the seeds. Tap water will suffice.
Wrap the seeds in a moist paper towel, peat moss is better if you have it as it has anti-fungal properties, but a paper towel will suffice. Place the peat or towel with the seed[s] in a zip lock bag or even a seal-able Tupperware and leave it in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Don’t place it the freezer, that’s simply too cold, just the refrigerator. Temperatures hovering above freezing but no warmer than 45°F are best.
A higher success rate has been reported by some people by removing the hard outer shell from the actual almond like seed that it contains prior to the cold treatment. If you plan to do this do not use the bleach treatment described above.
Also be aware that removing the hard outer stone increases the chances of fungal issues as well as the added risk of damaging the seed.
A high percentage of peach pits will never germinate so it is advisable to stratify several. On rare occasions the peach pit will germinate in the fridge, I’ve never experienced this, but have heard of it occurring so you you will want to check them periodically.
Planting Peach Seed Outdoors Or Indoors
Peach seeds should be sown in the fall if planting directly into garden soil. They can also be started indoors in pots at any time and transplanted outdoors at an opportune time.
If you start them indoors it is advisable to harden them off gradually before planting them outdoors.