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
Pruning of non-native oxblood lilies from Austin
March 27, 2014 - My Oxblood Lilies flowered quite late last Fall. Their foliage is still very green. Can I cut it down now or do I have to wait until it goes brown?
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native weeping willow in Villanova PA
July 03, 2009 - My weeping willow (6 years old,80+ft tall),up until this year used to be full and healthy. Last year I trimmed the lower portion of the trunk by cutting off the low hanging branches, but this year so ...
view the full question and answer
Are Royal Poinciana and Royal Empress trees the same?
October 09, 2015 - Hi, can you tell me if the Royal empress tree and the Royal Poinciana are the same tree?
view the full question and answer
Non native crape myrtle changing bloom colors in Sonora CA
September 05, 2012 - I have a Red Rocket Crape Myrtle that was planted a little over a year ago. Last year the bloom was a beautiful deep red and this year it is a Mauvie pink. Is there something I can do to bring it back...
view the full question and answer
Adding Wildflowers to Corpus Christi
May 20, 2012 - I have a dry sandy yard, full sun in Corpus Christi with lot's of stickers mostly, want to transform to wildflowers. When should I plant, how should I prepare soil, should I dig out stickers? Which w...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |