How to Grow a Nectarine from Seed
Nectarines are the same species as peaches. However, they are commercially known as different fruits. The only difference is that nectarines have smoother skin than peaches. These juicy and colorful delights are a good source of Vitamin A and C, fiber and potassium. Although planting through grafting is easier and a quicker way to get your hands on these peaches, they can also be grown through seeds. All you need to take care of is the temperature because nectarines cannot resist frost.
Things Required:
– Peach pits
– Nutcracker, hammer or vice
– Potting soil or peat moss
– Pot or small milk carton
– 10-10-10 fertilizer
– Pruning shears and loppers
Instructions
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1
Get local pits:
Buy nectarine from local farmers and preserve the pits. It is important to get the produce of local farmers and not imports from other places because the local ones are adapted to the climate and have better chances of survival and growth. Make sure that the nectarines you select are juicy and healthy because you will want to replicate them in the seeds. Avoid hybrid seeds because they have lower chances of getting good results.
Let the pits dry for a week in a dry warm place before starting plantation. After the week, crack open the pits using a nutcracker or hammer. -
2
Germinate seeds:
After you crack out the seeds, soak them in water overnight to soften them up and increase chances of germination. In the morning, plant them in a dish of peat moss or potting soil. Put this pot in the refrigerator. The process helps the seeds germinate by breaking the outer seed cover. The refrigerator provides the right medium like soil in the winters. -
3
Plant seeds:
Let the seeds remain in the refrigerator till you notice white roots in the soil you planted them. This is a sign that they have germinated. Take them out and plant them in potting soil. The pot that you choose should have a drainage hole in the bottom. -
4
Care for the seeds:
Place the pot in a sunny location and water it regularly. However, do not take them out in the soil before the last wave of frost has passed. Choose a sunny location with fertile soil and plant the seedlings. Water regularly and apply fertilizer with 10-10-10 nutrient content. Applying fertilizer each spring is going to give you healthy nectarine trees. Prune regularly.
