Question
I just ate a nectarine and it was delicious.  I have started a garden, several flowerbeds and now I have decided I want a nectarine tree. I know I could buy one easily but would like to start from scratch.  What do you think?  I live in Glen Rose, Texas (about 1 hour south of Dallas.  Sandy soil, lots of drought.  We have a sheep ranch with lots of animals and have great fertilizer and dirt because of them.  I washed the seed, took all the meat off and would like to know where to go from here.  What do you think?  Should I even try??  Thanks for you time!!

Answer
Hi Pam,
Thanx for your question.  This issue has been raised numerous times here at Allexperts.  In the future, you can save some time by using the Search mechanism and possibly find an answer right away.  In the meantime, here goes.  I don't recommend growing fruit like the nectarine from seed.  The reason is these fruit are so highly hybridized and then grafted onto hardy rootstock and the seed will result in a plant that is inferior to the plant from which your delicious nectarine came.  That doesn't mean the fruit won't be edible, but it probably won't be as sweet and delicious and the plant may not be as resistant to disease or drought or other qualities for which it was hybridized.  With that said, being located south of Dallas-Ft. Worth, the climate is favorable for growing nectarines and peaches however, there will be a water requirement that you'll have to monitor.  First, if you're going to start a nectarine from seed, gently crack the hard, outer shell, exposing a seed that looks like an almond.  Put the seed in a damp paper towel and seal it inside a plastic baggie.  Place the plastic baggie in the fridge for 60-90 days.  After that, plant the seed an inch deep in a pot of regular potting soil, keep watered and in a warm place.  The seedling should emerge in a few weeks.  Keep watered and in a sunny window.  When the seed has a couple sets of leaves, put the seedling (in the pot) outdoors in the shade for about 10 days.  After that, plant the seedling in full sun.  If you are experiencing drought, mulch around the seed with grass clippings.  Amend first with composted cow manure and water the sapling, once a week for about an hour or until well soaked.  I hope this helps.
Tom