Peach trees grown from seeds are hardier and fairly true to the parent tree.

Place the pits in slightly damp seed-starting soil in a plastic bag, clearly labeling the contents with the date, and store in the bottom drawer of the fridge. You can take them out of the fridge a few times during the winter to check; it may take until spring for the pits to germinate. Those that haven’t germinated can be put back in the fridge for another year. When the pits germinate, plant them in pots with grow lights. A peach tree grown from seed grows quickly and takes 3 to 4 years before producing fruit. Hardy down to zone 5; lower zones should be tested with cold protection.

Fruit trees prefer a sunny location, which leads to better production, fewer diseases, and better taste quality. When the soil is clayey, it is better to avoid digging a hole and filling it with 'good soil' and compost, as this could create a pool and lead to root rot. Plant directly in the existing soil. You can plant on a raised mound if drainage is really poor. Add a 'blanket' of wood chips on the surface to reduce the impact of weeds, maintain moisture, and nourish the soil. Be careful to keep the trunk clear; it needs to breathe. In the first year, you can make a slight basin around the tree to retain water. It is strongly recommended to put a ¼-inch mesh around the base up to the height of the snow level in winter, to protect the trunk from rodents and white-tailed rabbits. You can leave it on all the time; it will protect the tree from lawnmowers.

 Peach trees don't have a very long lifespan, so it's best to be prepared to start new ones to take over. Make sure to let the pits dry well; I’ve noticed that it’s easier to remove any remaining pulp after drying, but sometimes it’s not necessary, especially when the pit isn't sticky like these ones.

Peaches freeze very well; the flavor and texture don’t seem to be significantly altered. 

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