Few things make a true gardener as proud as the peach tree that he himself raised from seed to fruiting tree. While growing peaches from seeds is relatively difficult and requires a lot of patience, propagation via cuttings is usually quite uncomplicated.

Obtaining a peach from a cutting

In the spring, choose suitable, i.e. H. not yet lignified, annual shoots and cut them off to a length of 10 to 15 centimeters. The cutting edge should not be straight, but sloping. This will make it easier for the cutting to absorb water later. Now you can plant the twig in a pot with potting soil, put it in a bright and warm place and keep the soil nice and moist. After a few weeks to months, the peach will take root. Do not plant the young peach outside until the following spring.

Refine a peach

Instead of growing a cutting, you can cut off annual branches from a perennial tree and graft them, i. H. graft onto a suitable substrate. The scions are taken from the tree either at the end of the hibernation (March or April) or in August. The shoots must be healthy and at least as strong as a pencil. Use a robust and resistant peach variety as a base, cherries are also often used as such. The rootstock should be as closely related to the scion as possible so that both shoots grow together well. Techniques that can be used are oculation or bark plugging.

Growing a peach from a seed

You can also extract some peach varieties from the peach stone in their true variety. It is advisable to only use peaches that have not been seeded. However, before the nucleus can germinate, it must first be stratified, i. H. stored in a box with damp sand in a dark place over the winter. The process cannot be shortened by simply placing the core in the freezer - then it is no longer germinable. Sowing takes place in the following spring.

Plant and care for the young tree

If you have grown a young peach tree, you can plant it outdoors when it is about a year old. The following criteria are important:

  • The tree needs a sheltered location in full sun.
  • A spot on a wall or wall is best.
  • However, keep the planting distance.
  • The plantlet should be on the side away from the rain.
  • Support the young tree with a stake.
  • Water after planting but do not fertilize.

tips and tricks

You should prune your young peach again vigorously before planting it out, as this stimulates the growth of the shoots. The young tree can also be replanted a year later to activate root growth.

Category:

Trees