Hey there fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been obsessing over peach trees lately and lemme tell you – there’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, juicy peach you’ve grown yourself. Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about getting started with peach trees from seeds and where to find the best ones for sale.
Why Start Your Peach Adventure from Seeds?
Starting peach trees from seeds might take longer than buying saplings, but here’s why we love it:
- WAY cheaper than buying mature trees
- Get to experience the whole growing journey
- Can grow multiple trees from a single purchase
- Greater satisfaction when you finally taste that first peach!
Best Places to Buy Peach Tree Seeds
From my research and experience here are some reliable sources
Sheffield’s Seed Company
- Offers Nemaguard peach variety
- Impressive 98% germination rate
- 99% seed purity
- About 168 seeds per pound
- Cold-hardy to Zone 5
- 2024 crop available
Gurney’s Seed & Nursery
While they mainly sell mature trees they offer valuable insights about
- Various peach varieties
- Growing conditions
- Care requirements
Essential Growing Information
Preparation Steps
-
Scarification
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours
- This helps soften the hard outer shell
-
Stratification
- Cold stratify for 90-120 days
- Mimics natural winter conditions
- Essential for proper germination
-
Planting
- Plant 1-2 inches deep
- Tamp soil firmly
- Add protective mulch layer
Growing Requirements
Light and Space
- Full sun exposure needed
- Space trees 15-20 feet apart
- Consider mature size when planning
Climate Considerations
- Most varieties suit zones 4-8
- Some special varieties for zones 9-10
- Need adequate chill hours
- Protection from late spring frosts
Timeline and Expectations
Listen up, cause this is important! Here’s what to expect:
- Germination: 1-3 months
- First leaves: 4-6 weeks after sprouting
- First fruits: 4-6 years (yeah, it’s a wait, but SO worth it!)
Common Challenges & Solutions
Pest Management
- Watch for nematodes
- Choose resistant varieties like Nemaguard
- Regular inspection of young trees
Disease Prevention
- Good air circulation
- Proper spacing
- Regular pruning in May
- Keep most live wood intact
Pro Tips from My Experience
- Start more seeds than you need – not all will make it
- Label everything! Trust me, you’ll forget which variety is which
- Keep detailed records of planting dates and care
- Join local gardening groups for region-specific advice
Varieties Worth Considering
Here’s a quick look at some popular options:
| Variety | Special Features | Best Growing Zones |
|---|---|---|
| Contender | Late frost resistant | 4-8 |
| TruGold™ | Reliable producer | 5-9 |
| Belle of Georgia | White-fleshed | 5-8 |
| Reliance | Cold hardy | 4-8 |
Care and Maintenance
Watering Schedule
- Regular watering during first year
- Deep watering less frequently as tree matures
- Avoid overwatering
Fertilization
- Start fertilizing after first year
- Use balanced fruit tree fertilizer
- Apply in early spring
When Things Go Wrong
Sometimes stuff happens – here’s what to watch for:
- Yellowing leaves? Probably nutrient issues
- No sprouting? Check stratification process
- Weak seedlings? Might need more light
- Dying plants? Check drainage and watering
Investment and Returns
Starting from seeds is super budget-friendly:
- Seed packets: $10-30
- Basic supplies: $20-50
- Time investment: Priceless!
Final Thoughts
Growing peach trees from seeds ain’t exactly a walk in the park, but it’s one of the most rewarding garden projects you’ll ever tackle. Trust me, when you’re finally picking that first ripe peach from your very own tree, you’ll forget all about the waiting and work it took to get there.
Remember, every expert gardener started somewhere, and even we still kill plants sometimes! Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes. If you’re thinking about starting this journey, just go for it – your future self will thank you with delicious, homegrown peaches!
Would you like me to explain anything specific about growing peach trees from seeds? Drop your questions below – I’m always happy to help fellow gardeners!
Your cart is empty
Grocery store peaches cant compare to homegrown, sun-ripened peaches. At Gurneys, we take growing peaches seriously, and are always on the lookout for the best-tasting peaches for home gardeners. Our peach trees for sale include the best varieties for warmer climates, as well as the best cold-hardy peach varieties. Looking for the best white peach tree, best early peach or best peach tree for small spaces? Weve got you covered on that too.
- Featured
- Best selling
- Alphabetically, A-Z
- Alphabetically, Z-A
- Price, low to high
- Price, high to low
- Date, old to new
- Date, new to old
- Hide Out of Stock Items
- 4 (4)
- 5 (10)
- 6 (12)
- 7 (13)
- 8 (16)
- 9 (5)
- 10 (3)
- Full Sun (17)
- Above 48 Inches (16)
- Above 48 Inches (16)
- Spring (15)
- Fall (2)
- Both Spring and Fall (2)
- No (16)
- Yes (3)
- No (19)
- Yes (1)
- Hide Out of Stock Items
- 4 (4)
- 5 (10)
- 6 (12)
- 7 (13)
- 8 (16)
- 9 (5)
- 10 (3)
- Full Sun (17)
- Above 48 Inches (16)
- Above 48 Inches (16)
- Spring (15)
- Fall (2)
- Both Spring and Fall (2)
- No (16)
- Yes (3)
- No (19)
- Yes (1)
Peach Trees for Sale by Gurney’s
How do you select the best peach tree for your yard or orchard?
When choosing a peach tree, first consider your grow zone. Some varieties are more cold hardy and suitable for Northern gardens, while others grow best in the South. Also, take into account the space you have available. Gurneys offers peach trees in standard size and the more manageable Reachables® size. Next, consider whether the peach variety is a clingstone or freestone. For canning, freestones are often preferred. Last, but not least, keep the taste in mind. Select one of our peach tree varieties that promises the peach flavor you crave.
Forget Big Box Stores! This Is The BEST WAY To Buy Fruit Trees!
FAQ
Can you grow a peach tree from a seed?
Peachs grows well from seeds (and is similar to its descendant due to the lack of genetic differences), but it is recommended to pollinate it with other varieties.
How fast does a peach tree grow from seed?
How Long Does It Take for a Peach Tree to Grow From Seed? Germination can take up to 3 months or more, so be patient. Then the actual stems and leaves will not appear until spring. It will likely take at least three to four years before you can start harvesting peaches from your new tree.
What month is best to plant peach trees?
The trees should be planted in early spring, April in warmer areas, March for more northern areas and the Ozark plateau. There are many varieties to choose from, but I would recommend looking for varieties that bloom later.
How do you grow a peach tree?
A productive and vigorous grower, this peach tree gives excellent harvests of medium-sized yellow-fleshed juicy fruits. Resistant to root-knot nematode. Peach seeds must be cold-stratified before planting. Place the seeds on a damp paper towel, fold up the towel, and place it in a plastic bag. Do not seal the bag; this allows for air-flow.
How tall do peach trees grow?
Standard peach trees usually grow 18-25 ft. tall (though they can be pruned to a shorter height) while dwarf fruit trees, or Reachables fruit trees, grow 6-8 ft. tall. They don’t require as much space and are easier to prune and harvest. Some peach trees require another peach tree for proper pollination.
Are Gurney’s Peaches a good place to buy a peach tree?
Grocery store peaches can’t compare to homegrown, sun-ripened peaches. At Gurney’s, we take growing peaches seriously, and are always on the lookout for the best-tasting peaches for home gardeners. Our peach trees for sale include the best varieties for warmer climates, as well as the best cold-hardy peach varieties.
How do I choose a peach tree?
Gurney’s offers peach trees in standard size and the more manageable Reachables ® size. Next, consider whether the peach variety is a clingstone or freestone. For canning, freestones are often preferred. Last, but not least, keep the taste in mind. Select one of our peach tree varieties that promises the peach flavor you crave.
Do peach trees need a second tree?
Some peach trees require another peach tree for proper pollination. Other peach trees are self-pollinating or self-fertile and don’t require another tree for pollination. However, they may produce more fruits with a second tree. If you are growing just one peach tree, make sure it’s a self-pollinating variety. When to prune peach trees?
How do you store peach seeds?
Resistant to root-knot nematode. Peach seeds must be cold-stratified before planting. Place the seeds on a damp paper towel, fold up the towel, and place it in a plastic bag. Do not seal the bag; this allows for air-flow. Place the bag in the refrigerator and leave it there for at least 3 months.