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Peaches are one of the most popular staple fruits in India. Peaches are commonly called aadoo, which is one of the popular fruits of summertime. Their juicy, sweet flesh makes them a standout fruit, and they are perfect to enjoy as fresh or in a variety of recipes. The red and yellowish peaches aren't just tasty; they are also beneficial to the eyes.
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Cultivating peaches from seeds in your home garden might seem like a big dream, but with the proper care and attention, you can nurture a fruit crop that's even better than you might have imagined.
How To Grow Peaches From Seeds?
Choose Quality Seeds
Start by choosing the right variety of seeds to grow peaches. When acquiring seeds from the fruit, make sure the seeds of the peaches do not have any signs of damage, disease, or infection. You can use a vice, a nutcracker, or, as a last choice, a hammer. Good seeds are essential for the proper growth of the tree.
Cleaning The Seeds
Clean the seeds in fresh water thoroughly and scrub away any pulp. This step helps with growth during the germination process.
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Germinating The Seeds
Before starting the phase of germination, soak the seeds in water for about 24 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat, making it easier for the seed to sprout.
Stratification Of The Seeds
Keep your seeds cool until you are ready to start the germination process. You can put them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 months. The idea is to keep them cool and moist.
Planting The Seeds
Plant those stratified seeds about 3 inches (8 cm) deep in the soil. Make sure that the soil is well-drained and fertile.
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Providing Optimal Conditions
Soil Requirements
While growing peaches from seed, use well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level between 6.0 and 8.0. Before planting the peach, remove any weeds or debris and add well-rotted manure or organic compost so that it can improve soil fertility and structure.
Watering
Water the peach seeds or saplings regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Consistent watering helps in the healthy growth of peach trees.
Sunlight And Temperature
Ensure the planting site receives indirect sunlight exposure before the seeds germinate; after the sprout emerges and the sapling grows stronger, it can handle full sun exposure, but remember, peach trees prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius for at least 6–8 hours a day.
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Caring Tips For The Plant
Pruning
Annually prune the peach tree to remove dead or diseased branches, which will help shape the tree. Additionally, pruning improves air circulation, sunlight penetration, and overall tree health.
Fertilizing
Balanced fertilisers help ensure the proper growth of the tree. Use organic fertilisers like composted manure and aged manure tea, which will benefit your peach tree by providing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
Monitoring The Development
Ensure regular monitoring and checkups of the peach plant for signs of pests or diseases. Regular inspections can prevent major harm to your plant and help it receive early treatment.
Harvesting
Peach fruits typically take two to three months to ripen after flowering. When peach fruit has developed a full, rich yellow or red colour and readily comes off the tree with a slight twist, it's ready for harvesting.
So, have a diverse and delightful fruit collection in your home. By following these steps, you can easily get fresh peaches from your home garden.
