Question
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.

Regards,

Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How would I go about propagating a cutting from a peach or nectarine tree? Spokane, Wa.
Thank you so much Mike, for the great & fast reply!
Sincerely, Carolyn

Answer
Carolyn, it's actually a very simple process. Pick out and cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long.  Remove the lower sets of leaves.  Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. You can purchase this product at any garden center.  Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix.  Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.

Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic.  Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window sill or under fluorescent lighting.  After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem.  If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist.  The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.

Good luck, and have a great holiday weekend.

Regards,

Mike