Planting a nectarine pit is a fun and rewarding way to grow your own tree, but it's important to understand that it's not a guaranteed success. Here's how to do it:
1. Prepare the pit:
* Clean the pit: Remove any remaining fruit flesh and wash the pit thoroughly.
* Stratify the pit: Nectarine pits need a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Place the pit in a plastic bag filled with slightly moist peat moss or vermiculite. Seal the bag and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 months. This mimics the winter conditions the pit would experience in nature.
2. Planting the pit:
* Choose the right time: Plant the pit outdoors in the spring after the last frost, or start it indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
* Prepare the soil: Nectarine trees prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Choose a sunny location and loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches.
* Plant the pit: Place the pit pointy end up in a pot or directly in the ground. Cover it with about 1 inch of soil. Water thoroughly.
3. Care for the seedling:
* Water regularly: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
* Protect from frost: Young nectarine trees are sensitive to frost. Protect them with a frost blanket or burlap if necessary.
* Fertilize occasionally: Use a balanced fertilizer to promote growth.
* Prune as needed: Remove any damaged or diseased branches.
Important Considerations:
* Fruit type: Trees grown from seed will not be true to the parent tree. They may produce fruit that is different in size, color, or taste.
* Time to fruiting: Nectarine trees grown from seed can take 5-7 years to start producing fruit.
* Disease and pest resistance: Seedlings may be more susceptible to diseases and pests than trees grown from cuttings or grafts.
Alternatives:
* Buy a grafted nectarine tree: Grafted trees are guaranteed to produce fruit that is true to the variety. They also start bearing fruit sooner than trees grown from seed.
* Purchase a pit from a reputable source: You can increase your chances of success by purchasing a pit from a nursery that specializes in fruit trees.
Growing a nectarine tree from a pit is a fun experiment, but it's not always easy. With patience and the right care, you may be rewarded with your own delicious nectarines.
