How do I Plant a Peach Tree?

For many generations, the story has circulated that simply planting a peach pit in the ground could grow a peach tree. The tale is not a myth, but neither is it completely true. Cleaning off a peach pit and burying it under a bit of soil will sometimes lead to the growth of a new tree. More times than not, however, it won't. You'll likely have more success by buying a young tree and planting it in a sunny spot with sandy soil.

If you want to attempt to grow a peach tree by this method, simply wash the pit, removing all traces of flesh, and plant it approximately 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 cm) deep in sandy soil. Plant the pit during the later winter or early spring, and prepare to wait. If the pit sprouts, you should not expect the tree to bear fruit for at least several years. Do not be frustrated if it fails to grow. Sometime the pit rots, and sometimes it ends up as a feast for ground squirrels.

A far more successful method is to first do a bit of research, and then visit a local nursery. Select a tree best suited to your climate. This is fairly simply, as peach trees tend to be quite hardy and resilient, and in contrast to many trees, they actually prefer a chilly climate. Like a peach pit, they should be planted in the later winter or early spring.

Have selected a variety of tree, find a nursery-grown peach that is under three years old. Older trees do not transplant well. Also, look at the tree for signs of disease, such as discoloration, holes, or black spots on the leaves.

Peach trees are self-pollinating, so you need not plant two or more to produce your own fruit. Your tree should be planted in sandy or well-drained soil. Do not plant it in soil that is loamy or contains a high clay content, since they tend to retain too much water that could drown the roots.

Before digging a hole, remember that these trees need plenty of sunlight. Many a grower has discovered the hard way that even the shade of an existing tree will block the sunlight necessary for the healthy growth of a tree.

Once all these considerations have been met, the rest is easy. After bringing the tree home from the nursery, soak the roots overnight in a bucket of water. Trim any roots that appear to be damaged or diseased.

Next, dig a hole both deep and wide enough to easily contain the tree's entire root ball. Insert the tree and fill the hole, but do not pack the soil tight. Most important of all, do not add fertilizer. Though they are highly resistant to cold temperatures, the roots of a peach tree are still sensitive, and few things will kill them faster than fertilizer.