AboutMike Mascio Expertise I have been an avid gardener since 1985 and an AllExpert volunteer since
1998. I specialize in soil preparation, seed starting and plant
propagation, flowers, vegetables, and general landscaping. I am a strong
advocate of the square foot method of gardening and the use of organic
controls for pests and diseases.
Question My husband just saved and would like to plant the White Peach and White Nectarine Pit's but want's to know if they will make good fruiting tree's. He loves them both!
How would we go about doing this, like drying them first etc. if they do make good fruit tree's?
Spokane, Washington
Thank you, Carolyn
Answer You would have to let the pit completely dry out and them store it in a cool place for a few months to simulate the dormancy period. You can then plant it in a good potting soil in a 12" tree pot. It would be best to start it indoors in late fall and then transplant it outdoors the following spring. It will take 3-5 years for it to begin producing fruit.
Another option is to purchase a sapling from your local garden center or from an on-line tree nursery such as Starks Brothers. This would expedite the process by at least one year and would guarantee the type of fruit you expect. Keep in mind that if the fruit from which you harvested the pit came from a hybrid tree, the odds of replicating the parent tree are remote. That is why I always recommend leaving the propagation of hybrid plants to the breeders. The only exception would be when propagating from cuttings, which always guarantees exact replication of the parent plant.
I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.
