How to grow peaches at home?

Grow a tree from a bone? Such thoughts from time to time visit everyone who loves to work in the garden or greenhouse. Especially if you have a fragrant juicy peach with delicate pulp in your hands.

And if people have learned to grow lemons and pomegranates at home, then getting a peach tree is a snap.

To do this, you need to be patient and follow the recommendations of experienced gardeners.

Is it possible and how to properly grow a peach from a stone?

Choosing planting material

High-quality planting material is the key to success... Turkish or Spanish peaches, no matter how beautiful and tasty they are, are not suitable for planting in our latitudes.

Everyone knows that imported peaches are removed from trees long before biological maturity. This is the right approach, because with the onset of technical ripeness, fruits acquire a delicate taste, retain useful substances and tolerate transportation well over long distances.

But the seeds of such fruits do not ripen, and therefore you should not waste your time and energy on their germination.

Besides, southern varieties will not survive in our climatebecause they are accustomed to more comfortable conditions. If the seeds sprout, then the seedlings themselves will die without receiving the required amount of sunlight and heat.

You need to choose peaches for pitting from zoned varieties, not from a grafted tree

If you have already decided to plant a peach, walk around the market looking for local fruits... A seller who has grown his goods with his own hands will be happy to tell you how to care for a seedling in order to achieve fruiting.

It's great if a neighbor in the country shares the harvest. In any case, prepare a few bones. The germination rate of peach seeds is about 25%, some of the seedlings will die during cultivation, so the more seeds you collect, the better.

Be sure to ask which tree the peaches were taken from. Do not take fruits from the grafted tree, because the characteristics of the variety when grown are unlikely to correspond to the mother.

Only peaches from a self-rooted tree give planting material that can preserve species characteristics.

Growing a peach from a seed is as easy as shelling pears:

Choosing a variety

Zoned varieties will feel better in a local climate, content with the amount of heat and lighting that the nature of a particular region can give them.

Even if you decide to plant seedlings in open ground, with proper care they will not be afraid of frosts.

When choosing a peach variety, pay attention to the main characteristics.

Winter hardiness. If you are planning to transplant a seedling into open ground, choose varieties with good winter hardiness and unpretentiousness to growing conditions.

Self-pollination. Many varieties are self-pollinated. But if you want to get a generous harvest, plant at least 3-4 peaches nearby, which will subsequently bear fruit.

Early maturity - for successful fruiting in summer, it is recommended to plant early ripening varieties (July-first half of August).

The most popular of the early ripe peaches are: Early Rivers, Winner, Early Minion. Good winter hardiness in the varieties Amsden and Kievsky early, and high yields in the varieties White Nectarine, Krasnodarsky Nectarine, Redhaven and Nobles.

To remove the seeds, prepare large, ripe, soft fruits with no signs of damage, rot or mold. Free the bones from the pulp, rinse thoroughly under running warm water and dry. Select seeds without traces of pests and cracking.

Choosing a growing method

Gardeners use three methods for growing peach trees from seed.

Stratification, or "cold method". An imitation of cold natural conditions is created so that the seeds are prepared for germination and germinate better.

During stratification, the shells soften, the seeds swell, complex organic substances turn into simple ones and are assimilated by the seed embryo.

Extraction of seeds. The “quick way”, which consists in splitting the bone and extracting the kernel. After the extraction of seeds from the stone, seedlings appear much earlier than during stratification.

Warm way. You can germinate seeds in pots at room temperature and natural light.

Gardeners use three methods for growing peach trees from seed: cold - stratification, warm and from extracted seeds

Cold way, or stratification, at home

For successful stratification, it is necessary to create moist conditions for seeds at a low above zero temperature and provide air access. For these purposes, a compartment for storing vegetables in the refrigerator or a basement is suitable.

Stratify seeds as follows:

1. Prepare a small container without a lid, filled with wet sand or peat. Use coarse sand, sifted out of foreign particles and thoroughly washed.
2. Place the bones in the sand to a depth of 6-8 cm, place the container in a plastic bag with holes (to allow air to enter) and refrigerate for the winter.
3. Check the container regularly and moisten sand or peat with a spray bottle if necessary. The main thing is not to overdo it with watering, otherwise the seeds may rot.
4. In 3-4 months the seeds will "hatch" and sprouts of future peaches will appear.
5. Remove the container of sprouts from the refrigerator and plant the seedlings in the pots. Take the pots with drainage holes. Use a fertile soil made from a mixture of leafy soil, peat, and humus.
6. Place the seedling pots in a well-lit area.
7. Avoid sudden temperature changes. At first, provide the sprouts with a temperature of + 10 ° C, placing them on a glazed balcony or veranda.
8. After a few days, bring the pots with sprouts into the room and maintain the room temperature at + 18 + 20 ° C. Water sparingly as the soil dries.

What is stratification. How to do stratification correctly:

Chop and extract seeds

A quick way to grow a tree from seed for the impatient. If you do not want to wait until spring for the emergence of seedlings.

Proceed as follows:

1. Chop the washed and dried bones with a knife or hammer. Work with tools carefully, try not to damage the core of the bone.
2. Remove seeds and place in warm water for 2-3 days to swell.Replace fresh water daily.
3. When you see that the seeds have swollen and increased in size, plant them in separate pots with drainage holes. Select the size of the pot taking into account the fact that the planting depth is 4-6 cm.
4. After planting, water the seeds and cover the pots with glass or plastic wrap. Air the "greenhouses" daily - remove the film, wipe off the condensation and let the pots "breathe" for a while. Remember, excess moisture causes mold and mildew to develop, which are damaging to seeds and seedlings.
5. After the sprouts appear, remove the film.

Remove the seeds and place in warm water for 2-3 days to swell, after planting, water the seeds and cover the pots with glass or plastic wrap

During the growth of the peach, the root system first grows, and only then the tree itself is formed.

Gardeners who grow peaches from seeds note that the height of the seedling reaches 0.5 m in 2-3 months.

How to germinate in a warm way

With this method, peach seeds are immediately planted in pots with soil mixture in the hope of waiting for sprouts to appear in a few months.

Planting technology is simple:

1. Keep the prepared bones in the refrigerator for 6-10 days. This will be a kind of short-term stratification.
2. Remove the seeds from the refrigerator and soak in a growth stimulant for 2-3 hours.
3. Plant the seeds 6 to 8 cm deep in wet potting soil.
4. Cover the pots with clear plastic or glass, ventilate them daily and wipe off condensation.
5. Sprout peaches at room temperature by placing the pots on a brightly lit windowsill. Water as needed.
6. When sprouts appear in 3-4 months, remove the film and move the seedlings to a well-lit place without drafts and direct sunlight.

Peach seeds are immediately planted in pots with potting soil, after holding them in the refrigerator for 6-10 days

Care of young peach sprouts

In order for the seedlings to survive and gain strength, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for them.

The soil. Use loose, fertile soil of peat, humus, sand and leafy soil in proportions 1: 1: 1: 2.

Lighting. Provide good lighting. If there is a lack of sunlight, use LED phytolamps, which will give the necessary spectrum and accelerate plant growth.

Watering. Water the soil regularly. Reduce watering during fruit ripening and dormancy.

Temperature conditions. In winter, provide a temperature of + 2 + 4 ° С, with the onset of spring during flowering + 10 + 15 ° С, and after flowering + 18 + 25 ° С.

Provide the tree with a winter dormant period. At this time, significantly reduce watering, refuse additional lighting and provide the plant with a temperature of + 2 + 4 ° C. Resume routine care after the kidneys awaken.

Top dressing. Starting in March, feed the plants with mineral and organic fertilizers every two weeks. Stop feeding from September. From organic fertilizers, use a nutritious infusion of humus.

Transfer. Transplant the seedling as it grows into a larger pot in early spring (before flowering) or early September.

Pruning. When the side shoots begin to grow, and the height of the main trunk is 70 cm, start forming the crown.

Fruiting occurs on the side branches of the tree, so the seedling should not be allowed to grow upwards. Do the main pruning next spring. Prune and pinch vigorous shoots annually.

In order for the seedlings to survive and gain strength, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for them, including a winter dormant period.

Planting a tree in open ground in the country

At home, a full-fledged peach can only be grown by owners of a winter garden, a cool veranda, a glazed loggia or a greenhouse.

In ordinary apartment conditions, it is impossible to provide the seedling with the necessary temperature regime, depending on the season. But if all the conditions can be met, then in the first year, a young peach will grow up to 1.5 m.

Plan a peach transplant in open ground for March next year or early September. If you are planting several seedlings, observe an interval of 3-4 meters between them.

The same distance should be to adult plants that provide extensive shade, and to the walls of buildings on the site. Choose a place for planting that is well-lit, but protected from drafts.

Before planting a peach dig a hole about 1 m deep, apply organic fertilizers and dig well... Plant a seedling and compact the ground. Sprinkle the trunks with water at room temperature and cover with a layer of mulch or humus.

A plant grown from a seed at home should be given special attention in the first 2-3 years after transplanting into open ground, because it is still poorly adapted to weather conditions.

Plan to transplant peach seedlings into open ground for March next year or early September

For winter, wrap the tree with burlap or non-woven fabric, and insulate the trunk with glass wool. Take care of the root system - so that it does not freeze, cover the soil of the trunk circle with a thick layer of fallen leaves or spruce branches.

In open ground, young trees can be attacked by aphids, scale insects, spider mites and moths. Peach diseases are characterized by scab, curly leaves, powdery mildew, fruit rot, clotteropsoriasis and moniliosis.

To protect the seedlings prune dry and cracked shoots regularly and apply preventive insecticide treatments.

The process of growing a peach tree from seed is simple, but takes time and patience. With proper care fragrant and juicy fruits will appear in 2-3 years, and the crop can be harvested within 10-12 years.

The cultivation of peaches is practiced even in the harsh conditions of Siberia, so in our latitudes you can safely undertake an experiment.

How to germinate a peach seed:

After eating sweet and ripe peaches, do not rush to throw out the remaining seeds. From them, you can grow a whole tree, which can further decorate the garden. If you are interested in how to grow a peach from a stone, then this article has been prepared especially for you.

The answer to the question

If everything goes well, then after a certain amount of time you can wait for the first shoots. For everything to be successful, you must create an enabling environment. Plant adaptation will be successful if the variety is selected correctly. It is better to use specimens that grow in your area. There will be more chances that the plant will endure the winter well later. To answer the main question, how to properly grow a peach from a stone, you need to prepare materials for planting.

Start

First, you need to carry out the necessary preparation of the peach seed. To do this, you should do the following:

1. A week before planting the seed, dip it in a container of water.
2. It is necessary to change the fluid every day.
3. On the day of disembarkation, make a small puncture with a hammer. In this case, in no case should the core be damaged.
4. It is better to plant a seed in the autumn. Then it will go through all the stages of stratification.

The latter phenomenon should be given special attention.

Why stratification is needed

Having received the answer to your question, how to grow a peach from a seed in a pot, you need to prepare the seed. For better germination, stratification is used, which is of three types:

• cold;
• warm;
• combined.

This procedure helps to bring the plant out of deep dormancy. For this, the bone is treated with low or high temperatures. Now that everything is ready, you can start growing the plant.

First shoots

When the seed is planted, you just have to wait. To avoid different situations, use more than one bone, but several at once. Thus, you will receive a large number of shoots, which can then be transplanted into open ground. When spring comes, you need to prepare the plants for moving to their summer cottage.

Where and how

We turn to the main question, how to grow a peach from a stone in the country. Choose the perfect location first. It must meet the following requirements:

• not darkened;
• the presence of sunlight.

An important factor for growing peaches is the air temperature. Such a plant easily survives the temperature, which drops to 0 degrees. An adult peach tree can withstand frosts down to -10. For better flowering in the spring, it is best to keep the plant in a greenhouse. If it is necessary to transplant a plant, then proceed according to the following recommendations:

• the procedure is carried out before flowering, that is, in early spring;
• ideal soil should consist of humus, decayed foliage and peat;
• if you did not have time to make a transplant in the spring, then you should wait until autumn.

Now that you know how to grow a peach seed, you need to learn how to care for it.

Fertilization and watering

Moisten the soil abundantly during flowering and dry weather. As soon as the tree begins to bear fruit, the amount of watering is approximately halved. You can fertilize peaches no more than twice a month. Mineral and organic dressings are ideal for this.

If the tree grows at home, then it must be constantly sprayed. The procedure is especially recommended when the humidity in the room has dropped sharply.

Keep an eye on overgrown branches at all times. All unnecessary shoots must be removed.

You can propagate a tree by grafting, or by buying a seedling in a nursery.

Although you know on theory how to grow a peach from a stone, the photo will show in more detail what should turn out.

Infections

Growing a plant like a peach is difficult. The tree is highly susceptible to the following fungal diseases:

1. Gray fertile rot. Such an infection is found only on stone fruit trees. The disease can be recognized by the rotting of the fruit and the drying of new shoots. To keep the trees safe, do constant pruning of infected branches. Bad fruits and leaves must be removed. They all burn.
2. Powdery mildew. This disease can be recognized by the white bloom, which manifests itself on the branches, leaves and the peaches themselves. The fight for a healthy tree is carried out in the same way as in the previous method.
3. Curliness of leaves. This disease likes to appear and multiply during the cool and damp seasons. Mainly branches and leaves are affected by the disease. The latter begin to gradually curl and fall off. For the prevention and treatment of infection, it is worth using Bordeaux liquid. She needs to spray three times throughout the season.
4. Clasterosporium disease. A fungal disease manifests itself in the form of dark spots on the leaves. As a rule, young inflorescences suffer from infection. Disease can be prevented by spraying with Bordeaux liquid.

Now you know not only how to grow a peach from a seed, but also how to carry out the treatment.

Finally

We have answered your main question, how to grow a peach from a stone. The plant can be in indoor and outdoor conditions. Most importantly, remember that the peach tree is thermophilic and does not tolerate severe frosts. It is suitable for growing only in certain climatic conditions in compliance with all the rules of care.

The cultivation of exotic tropical trees such as orange, kiwi, pomegranate is becoming more and more fashionable among amateur flower growers. They try to “domesticate” other cultures, for example, peach. But going to the store for such a tree is useless. The only way to get it is to grow it yourself from the seed.There is nothing difficult in this, only desire, a little patience and the ability to accurately follow the rules and recommendations are required from the grower. The process is time consuming, but very interesting.

The choice of planting material

There is hardly a person who would not like peaches. That is why more and more flower growers, partly following fashion trends, are trying to grow a fruit-bearing tree on their windowsill. But it would be at least naive to just stick a peach seed in the ground and wait for the harvest. The procedure is much more complicated, it requires preliminary preparation, the ability to act according to these recommendations, the availability of free time and, of course, desire.

Growing a fruiting peach tree at home is a task quite capable of even for an inexperienced gardener.

Extracting seeds from store-bought peaches and planting them is useless. There will definitely not be seedlings. The fact is that these fruits are grown very far from Russia (Spain, China, Thailand, Turkey). In order for the crop to safely endure transportation, the fruits are harvested long before the onset of not only biological, but also technical maturity, almost green. In addition, for better preservation and extension of the shelf life, peaches are treated with chemicals. The seeds inside the seeds simply do not have time to ripen, it makes no sense to talk about germination. And the drugs used contribute to the fact that the shell becomes very fragile, easily breaks, bursts in half. By the way, it is not recommended to eat such fruits.

Store-bought peaches cannot be used to obtain planting material.

Only the seeds of peaches grown on local farms in private garden plots have a chance to germinate. Therefore, for planting material, you need to go to markets, agricultural fairs, to neighbors in the country, and so on. But even the “right” fruit does not guarantee success. Practice shows that, on average, one seed emerges out of four, and a significant part of the seedlings die within two to three months after the emergence of seedlings. Therefore, it is advisable to stock up on planting material in excess.

Home seedlings only produce peach seeds removed from the tree after reaching full maturity.

And it is also advisable to ask the seller if the peach tree was grafted. In self-rooted plants, the “descendants” fully inherit the varietal characteristics of the “parent”. And germination of seeds extracted from grafted peaches is a kind of lottery. Until the first harvest, no one can tell what the fruits will be.

Even if you cannot get peach fruits at home, you will get a wonderful interior decoration - this tree blooms very beautifully

In principle, peaches of any varieties ripen at home. But if you have a choice, you should give preference to those that are characterized by short stature, early maturity and the ability to self-pollination. Of those cultivated in Russia and the countries of the former USSR, the varieties Pineapple, Krasnodarsky, Kievsky, Mignon early, Redhaven fully correspond to these characteristics.

Redhaven peach is an old well-deserved hybrid, bred in the USA, it is quite suitable for growing at home.

Video: is it possible to grow a peach from a stone at home

Planting seeds and preparing for it

Peach seeds require pre-planting preparation. There are several methods that differ in terms of duration, labor input and efficiency. The fruits from which the seeds are extracted must be overripe, but absolutely healthy, without the slightest suspicious symptoms indicating the development of pathogenic fungi, viruses, bacteria or traces that resemble damage left by insects.

Stratification

Stratification or the so-called cold method is the most common pre-planting option. Its essence is to simulate "winter" for seeds, creating conditions as close as possible to natural ones. In this case, the natural mechanism of seed preparation for germination is triggered, chemical reactions begin, in the process complex organic compounds are decomposed into simple components that the embryo is able to use for nutrition and assimilate.

In order for the stratification to be successful, the peach pits must be thoroughly cleaned of pulp particles.

In addition to the low temperature (2–5 ° C), in order for the stratification to be successful, peach seeds need to provide good aeration and high air humidity (70% or more). You can put them, for example, in the refrigerator, in a special compartment for storing vegetables and fruits. And also a good solution - a cellar or basement. If the winter is expected to be warm and snowy, the container is simply dropped in the garden. Preparation begins in the middle of autumn, timing the time so that by the time the seeds germinate, it is still cold enough outside.

The temperature in the fruit and vegetable compartment is optimal for stratification of peach pits

The stratification procedure itself looks like this:

1. Shallow containers are filled with coarse river sand or peat chips. Previously, the substrate must be thoroughly rinsed and disinfected by steaming, calcining in the oven, holding it in the freezer. Some growers recommend sawdust or sphagnum moss as a "soil", but when using them it is very difficult to provide the required humidity.
2. Peach pits, carefully cleaned of pulp scraps (the latter can cause the development of rot), are planted in the ground, deepening by 7-9 cm.
3. The container is placed in a paper or transparent plastic bag, making 3-4 holes in it with a knife, and placed in the refrigerator. The condition of the soil is constantly monitored, as it dries, moistening the soil from a finely dispersed spray bottle. If condensation appears, open the bag for 5-7 minutes to ventilate.
4. After 10-12 weeks, the bones will sprout, their shell will open. When this happens, the container is removed from the refrigerator, the peaches are planted in individual pots with a diameter of 7-9 cm. The soil is prepared independently, mixing peat chips, humus and universal soil for indoor plants or leaf soil in approximately equal proportions.
5. The peaches are provided with ample light by placing them on a south or southwest window sill. A sharp change in the microclimate must not be allowed. The temperature is raised gradually. For 5–7 days, the seedlings are kept on a glazed loggia, at 10–12 ° C. Then they can be brought into the apartment, providing coolness (17–20 ° C). All this time, peaches are watered very sparingly, only when the soil dries out.

Extracting seeds

The existing bone is simply gently split, removing the seeds. If done correctly, seedlings will appear much earlier than with stratification. But due to the complete lack of hardening, such peaches are especially demanding on the conditions of detention, in need of perfect care. Plants do not tolerate even minor fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and so on.

The peach pits are split very carefully so as not to damage the seed, even its shell.

You need to act like this:

1. Peach seeds are thoroughly washed and dried for several days, spreading on linen napkins or paper towels. Then they are smashed very carefully using a knife and hammer. Seeds ("kernels") that have received even the slightest damage in the process can be thrown away immediately.
2. The extracted seeds are kept in water heated to room temperature for 3-4 days, changing the liquid every morning. They should swell, noticeably increasing in size.
3. When this happens, peach seeds are planted in individual pots, deepening by 4–5 cm. They create "greenhouse" conditions by tightening the containers with plastic wrap and covering them with glass.
4. Future peaches are provided with bottom heating, darkness, temperature 26-28 ° C. Every day for 5-10 minutes, the "greenhouse" is opened for ventilation, at the same time washing away the accumulated condensate. Moisten the soil very moderately and only when it dries out. High humidity often provokes the development of rot.
5. As soon as sprouts appear, the "shelter" is removed, the containers are exposed to light, providing a "day" of at least 12 hours. Temperature and watering requirements do not change.

The greenhouse effect is essential for pitted peach seeds to germinate.

Germinating seeds in vivo

The easiest option, requiring the minimum investment of time and effort. The so-called warm method does not require the creation of a special microclimate for the seeds. Normal home conditions are enough. The seeds extracted from the fruit are simply planted in pots filled with soil and hope for the best. If you are lucky, the sprouts will appear in 3-4 months.

Peach seedlings obtained from seeds that have not gone through any preliminary preparation are extremely rare.

You can increase your chances of success in the following ways:

1. The seeds are placed in a refrigerator for 7-10 days, providing at least a short-term stratification.
2. Then they are soaked for 3-4 hours in a solution of any biostimulator prepared according to the instructions. The most common remedies are Epin, Kornevin, Heteroauxin, potassium humate, succinic acid, aloe juice.
3. The seeds are planted in cups filled with universal soil for indoor plants, deepening at least 5 cm. It is imperative that there are several drainage holes and a layer of expanded clay (or other suitable material) at the bottom, 2-3 cm thick. Beforehand, the soil must be well moistened.
4. The bones are provided with the same conditions as described in the previous method. Particular attention should be paid to watering - the peach categorically does not tolerate stagnant moisture. When sprouts appear, the containers are transferred to the brightest place in the apartment, providing protection from any drafts and direct sunlight.

Biostimulants used in the process of seed germination have a positive effect on seed germination and strengthen the immunity of future plants

The growth rate of the peach tree does not differ. Sometimes it even seems that the seedlings do not develop at all. First, the tree forms the root system, and only then - the aerial part. But then it rapidly starts to grow, stretching for 8-10 weeks by 45-60 cm in height. The first harvest can be expected 4–5 years after germination.

A young peach tree does not grow very quickly, but you should not worry about this, for him it is completely normal

Transplant procedure

The first time a peach tree is transplanted when it reaches a height of 15–20 cm. The soil is prepared independently by mixing peat crumbs, humus, river sand and ordinary garden soil in a ratio (1: 1: 1: 2).

Flowering and fruiting greatly deplete the plant, so the soil for it must be nutritious, one of its essential components is humus

Transplanting a peach tree too often is unnecessary. Enough once every 2-3 years. Some tightness will even benefit the roots by encouraging more abundant flowering. The optimal time for the procedure is early spring (before the beginning of the active growing season) or the first half of September (when fruiting ends).

For the peach, choose a pot that resembles a bucket in shape. It's still a tree, so its root system is developed. It is best to purchase a ceramic container - it is more stable and provides proper aeration.

Peach roots just don't have room in a shallow flat pot.

Further care

In nature, the peach grows in the tropics. This is what you need to focus on, creating a suitable microclimate for the tree.It is worth listening to its "requirements", because flowering and fruiting is possible only in optimal or close to them conditions.

Creating the right microclimate

Peach is very light-requiring. The plant needs to be provided with 12-14 hours of daylight. In most of the territory of Russia, natural light will not work, therefore, for additional lighting, you will have to use simple fluorescent or special phytolamps. They are turned on not only in autumn and winter, but also in summer, in cloudy cool weather.

The LED phytolamp does not consume much electricity, but it allows peaches to provide the desired daylight hours

A pot with a peach tree is placed near a window facing south or southeast. As a rule, this is the brightest place in the apartment. But a plant, especially a young one, can suffer from burns, therefore, during the period of maximum solar activity, it must be shaded, covering it with tulle, gauze, and a paper screen.

The plant has a very positive attitude to fresh air, but categorically does not tolerate cold drafts. This must be taken into account when choosing a place in the apartment. In summer, the peach feels great on the loggia, veranda, balcony, in the garden, if you provide it with protection from rain and wind.

Peach is very fond of fresh air, therefore, if the temperature is right, it can be taken outside.

The optimum temperature varies depending on which stage of development the plant is in. He definitely needs a rest period at 2–5 ° C. It lasts from November to early March. Then the temperature is raised to 12-15 ° C. Higher rates can provoke bud fall. After flowering, the plant needs warmth, but not heat (22–26 ° C). The peach tree will not survive freezing temperatures.

Humidity is not a critical indicator for peach. It will be quite satisfied with the standard 50-60%, which does not require any effort to maintain in modern apartments. Nevertheless, in the heat, the peach will not mind the daily spraying. It is also useful for sanitary purposes from time to time to wipe the leaves with a damp sponge or soft cloth, getting rid of dust.

Growing recommendations

Peach is a moisture-loving plant, but categorically does not tolerate stagnation of moisture in a pot. The soil is moistened regularly, allowing it to dry 2-3 cm deep. This can be easily verified by sticking a toothpick into the substrate. Watering intervals vary depending on the weather outside. In the heat, the peach will have to be watered daily or once every two days, the rest of the time - 2-3 times a week (during the ripening of the fruit, you can do with one). Half an hour after the procedure, it is imperative to drain the excess moisture from the pot.

The plant needs the most abundant watering after leaving the dormant period, when the leaf buds begin to "wake up". As soon as flowering ends and fruit ovaries are formed, it is reduced. Waterlogging can cause the ovaries to fall off and the fruit to crack. During the wintering period, the peach is watered very rarely and in moderation, once every 2.5–3 weeks.

Water for irrigation is used soft, warmed to room temperature. The one that flows from the tap must be defended for at least a day. Or you can speed up the precipitation process by adding a few citric acid crystals or 2-3 drops of apple cider vinegar to it.

Rainwater, just like melt, spring water is ideal for watering a peach

After each watering, after about half an hour, the soil is loosened. It should not be allowed to turn into a crust on the soil surface. This prevents normal aeration of the roots and provokes moisture stagnation.

Flowering and fruiting take a lot of energy from the tree. Therefore, peach feeding is strictly required. For this, you can use organic fertilizers based on vermicompost, and complex mineral preparations.But natural remedies are also suitable - infusions of wood ash, nettle leaves, dandelion. Fertilizers are applied every 12-14 days during the entire growing season. During wintering, feeding is stopped.

Infusion of nettle leaves is a natural source of nitrogen and phosphorus, before use it must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 8

When using garden fertilizers (urea, superphosphate, potassium sulfate, etc.), when preparing a solution for irrigation, the concentration recommended by the manufacturer is halved. The amount of soil in the pot is limited, because of this, top dressing is not washed out of the soil. Moderate "overfeeding" is not dangerous for the peach - it will only stop bearing fruit, "concentrating" on building up the green mass (sometimes such plants are called "fattening"). But the regular excess of fertilizer doses is already intoxication and the very likely death of the plant.

The macro- and microelements most necessary for a plant are phosphorus, potassium, calcium and copper. Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are applied only in spring, they help after the winter "hibernation" to stimulate the peach to intensively build up green mass. Experienced flower growers, in order to provide it with everything necessary, advise once a month and a half to spray the tree, dissolving soda ash (4-5 g), copper sulfate (1.5-2 g), 2-3 crystals of potassium permanganate in a liter of warm water and a drop of iodine.

A home-grown peach tree is sensitive to copper deficiency; a solution of copper sulfate will help to fill it

A neglected peach tree does not look very attractive and almost always refuses to bear fruit. Therefore, it needs regular pruning. Formation begins in about a year and a half, when the seedling reaches a height of 65–70 cm and several lateral shoots are formed on it.

It is on them that the fruits ripen. Therefore, the growth of the tree upward must be slowed down. In principle, the florist is limited only by the height of the ceilings in his own apartment, but practice shows that the optimal height of a peach is 1.5–1.7 m.

Peach Pruning Recommended for "Real" Plants Works for Indoor Peaches

The first peach trim is to pinch the top at the desired height. This is done in the fall. The following spring, the lateral shoots of last year are shortened by 2-3 buds, stimulating more intensive branching. And they also get rid of all unsuccessfully located branches, directed inward and downward. It is recommended to leave the 6-8 most developed lateral shoots annually, and cut the rest to the point of growth. Branches older than ten years are also removed, they will no longer bear fruit.

Video: peach pruning rules

How to get vaccinated correctly

A seedling of a peach obtained from a stone, if its variety is known, can be used as a graft for a garden tree. And sometimes, on the contrary, it is grown as a stock for a varietal cuttings. Vaccination is carried out in several ways, but, in any case, the tool used in the process must be disinfected and sharpened sharply. Sterility is also very important. The less the grower touches the cuts, the better.

Cleavage grafting

The most common method, including among gardeners. The best time for the procedure is early spring. The graft (the part of the plant to be grafted) and the rootstock (the plant to which the graft is being grafted) should roughly coincide in diameter. On the first, at least three growth buds are required.

The graft and rootstock should be approximately the same diameter, this applies not only to the peach

Experienced gardeners recommend, if the "home" peach is used as a stock, to harvest cuttings for grafting in the fall. For the winter they are buried in the snow.

The rootstock tree is cut at a height of 25–30 cm. A vertical incision about 5 mm deep is made perpendicular to the cut plane. The base of the scion cutting is cut at an angle on both sides, forming a V-shaped wedge.

To speed up the process, the base of the scion is soaked for several hours in a solution of any biostimulant prepared according to the instructions. In addition to store drugs (Epin, Zircon, Kornevin), you can use, for example, succinic acid, aloe juice. Practice shows that powdered products give much worse results.

Splitting grafting is the most popular method among gardeners and florists; you can graft one or two cuttings at once

The scion wedge is inserted into the rootstock split. He must enter there with some effort. Then the entire structure is fixed by wrapping it with plastic wrap, adhesive plaster, electrical tape or covering it with garden pitch. If you do not wrap it tightly enough, the moisture from the fabrics will simply evaporate, and the cutting will dry out. When a characteristic "influx", called callus by botanists, appears on the bark around the graft, the film can be removed.

One of the main conditions for the success of the grafting is reliable fixation of the structure.

There are other methods of grafting - combining oblique cuts on the scion and rootstock, grafting for the bark (if it is thick enough). The procedure is not fundamentally different from the cleft vaccination, but the first method at home gives the best results. The last method at home is used extremely rarely - the process takes a long time, it is highly likely that the grafted stalk will simply break off after removing the polyethylene.

Budding

Budding is a slightly more complicated method that requires some experience from the grower. In fact, this is the same graft, but not a whole stalk is used as a scion, but only one growth bud. You can carry out budding at any time.

The kidney is cut off together with a layer of tissue 2-3 mm thick and 2.5-3 cm wide (the so-called scutellum). It is advisable to do this in one motion. In the process, try to touch her as little as possible. The tool used is a scalpel or razor blade.

It is advisable to cut the bud for budding in one motion, touching it with your hands as little as possible

Further, an X or T-shaped incision is made on the bark of the rootstock tree, with a depth of 1.5–2 mm. If you gently peel back the bark, it forms something that looks like a pocket. The cut kidney is inserted into it, securely fixed with a strapping. It can be removed when callus forms, indicating that the procedure was successful.

Fixing the bud on the scion requires the grower to have certain skills, if part of the bark sticks out of the "pocket", this is normal

The result of the performed procedure will become clear in about 25-30 days. In addition to the formation of callus, success is evidenced by the activation of the growth of the cuttings or the "awakening" of the kidney. If this does not happen, the winding is carefully removed, the scion is removed, the inoculation site is disinfected by washing with a 1% solution of copper sulfate, and covered with garden varnish.

The growth bud that has taken root on the rootstock "wakes up" in about a month

Reviews of home gardeners

Florists successfully cultivate peach trees at home and achieve fruiting from them. This is a rather complicated procedure that requires patience and precision, but nothing is impossible. Even if it is not possible to harvest the crop, an unusual exotic tree will become a spectacular interior decoration.

27 years old, higher legal education, broad outlook and interest in a variety of topics.

The idea of ​​how to grow a peach from a stone has probably visited every gardener. Despite some difficulties, this idea is quite feasible and in the end can bring you weighty and sweet fruits.

How to grow a peach from a stone correctly?

Selection and preparation of seeds

When choosing a material suitable for planting, do not stop at foreign fruits - no matter how attractive Turkish or Spanish peaches may look, seedlings from them will not take root in our latitudes for sure.

Ideally, you use a peach variety adapted to your climatic conditions for the seed. Local peaches on the market or from a neighbor in the country - this is the material necessary for growing.

Do not take peaches from a grafted tree for growing - the seedling will not inherit the properties of the parent variety.

The fruit for the seeds must be taken large, fully ripe, without rotten places and other damage.

When calculating the number of peaches that will go to seed, keep in mind that about a quarter of the seeds will not sprout. Therefore, take fruit in reserve.

Preparing for landing

Remove the fruit pulp from the seed, rinse it clean under warm water. Then dry and set aside in a cool and dry place. Choose whole peach seeds, not cracked and without traces of pest activity.

When to start growing?

The best time to plant a pitted peach is in autumn. In mid-latitudes, planting should be done between late October and mid-November.

In the southern regions, planting dates are the last two weeks of October, in the northern regions - the first two weeks of November.

Growing methods at home

Experienced gardeners know 3 ways to plant a peach at home:

1. Stratification... The method is also known as "cold". When selected, an imitation of natural conditions occurs, allowing the peach seeds to naturally prepare for germination.
2. Extracting seeds... This method is faster than the others - the bone is split and the core is carefully removed. Germination occurs much faster than during stratification.
3. Warm way... The seeds are planted in a pot of soil and grow at room temperature.

Stratification at home

The cold method requires a low, but positive temperature, high humidity and constant access of air to the seeds. The best way to provide these conditions is in the basement or lower drawers of the refrigerator.

The procedure for home stratification is as follows:

1. Fill a small, shallow container with peat or wet coarse sand. You do not need to close the container with a lid. The sand must be rinsed thoroughly.
2. Bury the peach pits in the sand to a depth of 7-8 cm, put the container in a plastic bag with cut holes and put the bag in the cold for the whole winter.
3. Check the container periodically and moisten the sand with a spray bottle if necessary. A lot of liquid is not needed so that the bones do not start to rot.
4. In early spring, the seeds will sprout and green sprouts will appear. Plant them carefully in drained pots. Take a mixture of humus, peat and leafy soil as the soil.
5. Place the seedling pots in a well-lit place. In order not to get a sharp temperature drop, for the first time keep the air temperature around the seedlings around +10, for example, on the balcony.
6. After 5-6 days, bring the seedlings into the house. Water sparingly as needed.

Extracting seeds at home

If time is dear to you and you cannot wait until spring to sprout peaches, use the fastest planting method:

1. Gently chop the washed dry peach pits with a hammer or knife. Do not damage the kernel of the seed, otherwise it will be unsuitable for planting.
2. Place the removed kernels in warm water for several days. Replace the water with fresh water every day.
3. After 3-4 days, the seeds will swell and grow in size. Plant each in a separate pot with a drainage system. The pot size can be small because the planting depth of the peach is only 4-6 cm.
4. Water the seeds and give them a "greenhouse" - cover with plastic wrap or plastic. The film must be removed every day for airing. Avoid excess moisture - it can cause mold or mildew.
5. When sprouts appear, remove the plastic from the pots.

Warm way at home

Everyone has probably tried this method in childhood - without special preparation, the peach seed is planted in a pot. After a few months, it may germinate, but it may die.

For a successful planting, observe the following technology:

1. Refrigerate the seeds 7-10 before planting. This can be called express stratification, which increases the chances of germination.
2. After the refrigerator, soak the seeds for 2-3 hours in the growth stimulant solution.
3. Plant future peaches in moist soil 4 to 6 cm deep.
4. Keep pots at room temperature in a well-lit area. Cover them with foil and ventilate them every day, removing condensation and excess moisture.
5. After 3-4 months, after the sprouts appear, remove the film from the pots.

Peach care at home

In order for peach seedlings to gain strength and grow well, you need to provide them with the most favorable conditions:

1. The soil... Make a soil mixture of leafy soil, humus, peat and sand in a 2: 1: 1: 1 ratio.
2. Lighting... The sprouts should be well lit. If this cannot be achieved naturally, use LED phytolamps, which will make up for the lack of light for plants.
3. Watering... Water the future peaches well, except during the dormant period and when the fruit is ripening.
4. Temperature... In winter, the temperature around the seedlings should be lowered + 2 + 4, in spring + 10 + 15 degrees, and after the peach flowering period + 18 + 25.
5. Top dressing... In early spring, starting in March, feed the seedlings with organic (infusion of humus) and mineral fertilizers every two weeks. There is no need to feed the plants from September to give them rest time.
6. Transfer... When the seedling needs a larger pot, transplant it. This should be done in early spring, before the peach blossom or in September.
7. Pruning... When the peach grows to 70 cm and the side shoots begin to grow, it is time for pruning. The crown should be formed taking into account the fact that the side branches of the tree will bear fruit. Therefore, the seedling should not grow upward. Every year, you need to pinch and trim the vigorous peach shoots.

Landing in a permanent place

At home, you can only grow a full-fledged peach tree if you have a winter garden or greenhouse.

After the first year of cultivation, subject to all temperature conditions, the peach seedling should grow up to 1.5 meters.

Plan to plant it in open ground in March or early September next year. If there are several seedlings, then when planting, maintain an interval between trees of 3-4 meters.

The landing site should be well lit, open, but protected from drafts. Do not plant peaches in the shade of other trees or outbuildings.

Before planting peaches, prepare a hole: dig it 1 meter, add infusion of humus and dig it well. Plant a peach and compact the soil around the tree. Water the planting well and add mulch.

A tree grown from a bone will need special supervision for the first 2-3 years so that it can fully adapt to weather conditions.

Cover the tree with burlap for the winter, and insulate the peach trunk with a layer of glass wool. To prevent the roots from freezing, sprinkle the soil around the trunk with fallen leaves or spruce branches.

It is quite possible to grow a peach from a stone at home, even if you live in cold regions. A little patience and after 2-3 years you will be able to taste your own peaches!