Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - September 13, 2010
From: Archdale, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Planting non-native peach seed from Archdale NC
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Planting and watering peach seeds. Can you give advice for my 12 year old who has recently planted some peach seeds in our yard in Archdale NC? Is the fall okay for planting? Watering instructions? I know this isn't under the wildflower category, but any help is appreciated.ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is not limited exclusively to wildflowers; what it IS limited to is plants native not only to North America but to the area in which the plants are being grown. Prunus persica, peach, is native to China, and therefore out of our realm of expertise. There are a number of members of the Prunus species that are native to North America, mostly wild plums. The "persica" in the botanical name of the plant refers to the fact that in early times, it was thought that the peach had originated in Persia; however, it actually was first grown in China, and probably passed on to the Middle East on the Silk Road before Christian times.
We always like to encourage young gardeners, so we have this article from Colorado State University Extension, Denver County Office, Starting peaches from pits that we hope will help your son with his project. Most peaches such as you would purchase in the produce aisle are propagated by budding onto specific rootstock, which means if the seeds you have do sprout, bloom and fruit, the peaches may not look anything like the peaches from which the pit was taken.
More Non-Natives Questions
Non-native banana plants dying back in Rocklin CA
March 15, 2010 - I bought a home last July in Rocklin, CA that had several banana plants growing in the yard. They died back during the winter frost. We pruned them back to the ground and placed mulch over the top. ...
view the full question and answer
Leaf loss on non-native Elaeocarpus decipiens
July 01, 2008 - Hello,
I had my landscaper plant Japanese Blueberry bushes over the winter along my fence to act as a privacy screen. Their long, narrow and full evergreen characteristics are ideal for creating priv...
view the full question and answer
Consumption of carbon dioxide from South Korea
December 07, 2011 - I am curious about what flowers consume CO2 for growing (especially 1-year life flower). Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Non-native Littleleaf Boxwood and native alternatives for Baltimore
January 06, 2005 - I am looking for a small hedge or shrub, that will look nice year round, and won't get too large. I live in Baltimore, MD. I have heard of Winter Gem Boxwood. Will this prove hardy in my area? H...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Cleyera and Red-tip photinia
June 01, 2008 - I planted a row of Cleyera in a bed that receives sunlight for about 3 hours during the middle of the day. My problem is that a number of the plants are dying. It begins with the leaves on one small...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |