QuestionWe have an old, storm-damaged, misshapen tree in our Blue Ridge Mountain
(VA) woods that we assumed was an ancient wild peach tree. This year we
were surprised by two dozen beautiful, tasty yellow-fleshed, cling nectarines
with no insect damage. We harvested them on August 31. Since this tree is
not a nursery hybrid, will it breed true if I plant the pits in 5-gallon pots and
nurture them?
AnswerHi Kathy,
Thanx for your question. Very possible this peach is an old heirloom or heritage variety. In this case, yes, I would recommend planting some seed to see what you get. Take some pictures of the fruit and you might be able to identify the variety through your local County Extension Service office or on the Internet. Five gallon pots should be nice for the pits. Plant them now about an inch deep and leave them outdoors all winter. The seedlings will emerge in the spring after the last frost. Be sure to water if you're not getting regular rain or snow. I hope this helps and good luck!
Tom