Re: Peach stones
Liz Runciman wrote:
>
> Someone I work with has the most wonderful peaches. I
> should say now, it is not a known variety, her parents
> are Italian and obtained the tree from a relative and
> have no idea what its name is or where it came from.
> Now I know that the chances of getting the same peach
> from growing the stone is not good, however I have
> several from this tree and would like to give it a go.
> The question is, what is the best way to get peach
> stones to germinate? Just stick them in a pot, soak
> them first or what? Any ideas would be appreciated!
>
Liz
Cyndi has given you the most accurate way of reproducing a particular
variety, but if you would still like to try seed my book says stratify
it first and leave exposed over winter and then sow outdoors in a cold
frame in early spring. This is an English book and I would guess
presupposes several frosy periods over winter. However some volunteer
peaches do seem to germinate in my area where we get about a dozen or so
light frosts (minus 1 to minus 3C) each winter. If you get much less
than this you would probably do best to put the peach stones in a bag of
moist sand or peat and stick them in the fridge for about three weeks
somewhere about the middle of winter and than leave this outside until
spring.
If you decide to try it I hope you will let us all know how you get on.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand. (on the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Lat. 41:16S Long. 174:58E. Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate
