Planting a Peach Pit: Whole Pit vs. Cracked Seed

How to Grow a Peach Tree from a Pit

James asked whether to plant the whole peach pit or crack it open to extract the seed.

Plant the Whole Pit

Bury the intact pit about 1 inch deep in moist soil. The pit protects the embryo and allows it to emerge naturally, resulting in a stronger, more resilient seedling. Cracking the pit risks damaging the delicate seed and produces a weaker plant. Keep the soil lightly moist; germination can take several weeks to months, depending on temperature and whether the pit has undergone cold stratification.