Growing White Nectarines and Peaches from Pits and Cuttings

Growing White Nectarines and Peaches from Pits and Cuttings

Starting trees from pits is a fun project, but hybrid varieties won't come true from seed. The pits need a cold stratification period: dry them completely, then store in a cool place for a few months to simulate winter dormancy. Plant in a 12-inch tree pot with good potting soil in late fall, keep indoors, and transplant outdoors the following spring. Expect fruit in 3–5 years.

Faster, Reliable Propagation: Cuttings

For exact replicas of the parent tree, take 6-inch softwood cuttings in spring. Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in moist potting mix, cover with plastic, and place in indirect light. Check for roots after two weeks by gently tugging. Once rooted, remove cover and treat as a seedling.

This method guarantees the same fruit characteristics and can shave a year or more off the wait for fruit.