Question
Hi I am trying to find some hints or tips on how to start a nectarine tree from the pit. I read the answer that you have posted but I've never done anything from seed so I want to make sure I get it right. So if you have a minute could you please give me some step by step advise on how I might be able to get this started. I live in Washington state so our winters are not too cold, it is now almost September.  I just purchased some nectarines that were probably the best tasting nectarines I have ever eaten so I would like to try and grow some of my own from the pit of these ones...Please help!!! Thank you, Sarah

Answer
Hi Sarah,
Thanx for your question.  As I have written in past answers, using seed from store-bought fruit is not recommended for propagation because almost all domestic fruit unless labled "heirloom" or "open-pollinated" is the result of intensive hybridization.  The resulting plant will throw back to a prior generation and will inevitably be inferior in quality to the fruit you ate.  With that said, here are the instructions.

It is too late in the season, even in Washington state, to start a seed indoors for this type of plant (in my opinion).  However, if you want to go ahead, here we go...

1.  Wash the seed and allow it to dry for a few days.
2.  Fill a regular sized plastic pot with potting soil to about 1 inch below the rim.
3.  Plant the seed beneath one inch of potting soil.  
4.  Dampen the soil but it should not be soggy.  If it is, allow it an hour or so to drain.
5.  Place the pot inside a plastic baggie and put it in the fridge for 60-90 days.
6.  After the cold period, remove the pot from the fridge and then from the plastic baggie and place in a warm room underneath a 40-watt shop light or in a very, sunny window.
7.  The plant should emerge in a couple of weeks after the pot has been placed in a warm environment.
8.  After the last frost, place the pot outdoors in a shaded, protected place for 10 days.
9.  Plant in direct sunlight after the 10-day hardening off period has passed.

The method I think you should use is go from Step 1 to step 4 and then place the pot outdoors for the winter.  If it doesn't rain regularly, give the pot a drink of water about once a week.  The seed will emerge in the spring when it warms up.  I hope this helps.
Tom