How to Grow Apricot and Peach Trees From Seed

How to Grow Apricot and Peach from Seed, with Katia Plant Scientist Have you ever eaten a delicious apricot (Prunus armeniaca) or peach (Prunus persica) and wondered if you could grow a new tree from the pit? Learn with me, Dr. Katia Hougaard, as I guide you through the steps from pit to seedling tree using scientific principles and simple supplies found in most kitchens. A note of caution before growing a fruit tree from a pit – some varieties of fruit trees do not “breed true”. Through the genetic reshuffling of sexual reproduction, the offspring of a tree with delicious fruit may not be quite the same as their parent tree. However, the apricot and peach pits I am working with in this video were from self-pollinated heirloom varieties, so they are more likely to “breed true”. The first step is to break open the pit or at least break off part of the pit. This allows water to reach the kernel and stimulate germination, while also making it easier for the embryonic root or “radicle” to break out of the shell. Next, the kernel or broken pit is soaked in warm water overnight to ensure it is thoroughly soaked. From there, the kernel or broken pit is placed in a loosely sealed plastic bag. Covering the kernel or broken pits in damp paper towels or coco coir helps keep them moist during cold stratification. Cold stratification is the process of “tricking” the seed into thinking it is enduring winter conditions with the aim of beginning germination in the spring. The bag is placed in a fridge at approximately 4 C for two to three months. After this time, the seeds may begin germinating. This is visually apparent when long white “tails” appear from the pits. These are the radicles. Even if no visible signs of germination are present, it is still a good idea to remove the pits from cold stratification after two to three months. The pits can be placed directly in pots filled with well-drained potting compost, or they can be split open to remove the kernels. Long exposure to moisture can cause the pits to split apart to reveal the kernels. The pits or kernels should be planted approximately 5 centimeters deep. If successful, seedlings should emerge one to two weeks after planting. Have you ever grown an apricot or peach from seed? What was your experience like? Please share in the comments. Music by Derek and Brandon Fiechter #katia_plantscientist #peach #apricot #howtogrow #growfromseed #gardening #germination #plantbiology #growyourownfood #plants #botany #sciencecommunication #fruittrees #plantscience