The peach was first cultivated in China, thousands of years ago. The culture has become quite common throughout Asia, where they are now widespread. They were introduced to ancient Greece and Persia in the fourth century BC and were cultivated in ancient Rome in the first century AD. They spread to Europe during the Middle Ages and were first introduced to North America during the colonial era. At first they were quite rare until commercial peach production in the United States began in the 1800s.
Growing peaches
The main types of peaches fall into the categories of cut stone and hanging stone. This refers to fishing pits and their adhesion to the flesh of the peach. Ashlar peaches are good for cooking because the core comes out when the peach is cut. Clingstone types are perfect for eating raw! They are also usually a little harder than free stones. Color is the usual indicator of types and flavors of peaches, and white and yellow peaches include both ashlar and sticky stone varieties. White peaches are usually sweeter than yellow peaches, with a few exceptions. Nectarines are a variety of peaches. They are of the same species and can even sometimes grow on the same tree! Doughnut fishing is a new type of clingstone fishing. These very sweet peaches are flat but still round and have the shape of donuts.
Peaches are an excellent source of vitamin C and also a good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene. They are low in calories and rich in fiber. They have a lower concentration of other nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin E, niacin and potassium. A peach is a delicious fruit that is an integral part of a healthy diet.
Peaches (Prunus persica)
Perennial
Full sun (minimum 8 hours / day)
Soil acidity: neutral to slightly acidic (6.0-7.0)
Well-drained, clayey and fertile soil (avoid stagnant water)
Garden planting:
Trees should be planted 20 feet apart
The hole should be a little wider and deeper than the pot or the spreading root
Peach trees can be grown from seeds-but they will not bear fruit for several years.
Climatic zones from 4 to 10 (standard varieties from 6 to 8)
Planting containers:
Choose a dwarf stock, smaller trees are best for containers.
Large container of at least 5 gallons or more
Use garden soil and compost, not potting soil
Water when needed, not too much water
How to plant peach trees
When planting a peach tree, choose the type that best suits your climate. The preferred climatic zones for peach trees are from 6 to 8, but some varieties are good from zone 4 (colder) to zone 10 (heat). If you live in a colder or heat climatic zone, make sure you have the right type for your area. The “cold hours” refer to a need for winter cold, defined as hours between 32 and 45 degrees F. The tree needs these cold hours to bloom and bear fruit in the spring and summer. Most peaches need 500 to 1200 hours of cold per year. There are many varieties of ”cold lo ch” types that can grow well in heat regions, sometimes taking only 150 hours a year. Be sure to check which type you are growing to get the best results.
Peach trees need a lot of sun! Partial shade can inhibit the growth and production of fruits. Also, make sure that the soil drains well. Low-lying areas where water points are not the best places for fishing. In addition, provide shelter or protection from strong winds. Some varieties grow quite large and, if left unprepared, can be up to 25 feet tall. Keeping them trimmed will allow you to control the height. Garden peach trees should be pruned to be between 12 and 15 feet tall when fully grown. Pruning the tree every year, preferably at the end of winter, is very important. As the tree matures, encourage three equidistant branches to grow and cut the tallest branches to control the height. Peach trees are self-pollinated and can be grown on their own. If you are planting several trees, be sure to keep standard-sized varieties at least 20 feet apart and dwarf-type trees 12-15 feet apart.
Peach trees should be planted in after winter or early spring. Dig a hole large enough for the roots. Bare-rooted trees or potted trees bought at a market are both suitable. The hole should be a little larger than the width and height of the roots. Spread out the roots, with a good amount of composted garden soil under them. One thing to watch out for with potted trees is the roots that have wrapped around the inside of the pot. The roots usually do not have to be pruned, but this is an exception because the roots must spread. Cleanly cut the individual roots surrounding the base of the tree. If you buy a grafted tree, plant it so that the grafted branch is on the north side, protected from the sun, and make sure that the grafts are well detached from the ground once planted. If you use fertilizer, do not fertilize when planting. Peach trees should be fertilized about two months after planting in the first year, and then in the summer each following year.
Growing peaches in containers
Peaches (and nectarines) can also be grown in containers. It is important to choose a dwarf type tree, to keep the tree at a manageable size (up to 6 feet tall when fully grown). This is a good solution if you don’t have a large garden and will allow you to move the tree to take advantage of the sunlight. Fertilization is more important for peach trees in containers. Use a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. Commercial fertilizers are affordable, but organic fertilizers, including soy flour or cottonseed flour, can be just as effective.
Peach trees can also be started from seeds. Determine what type of fishing it is, to make sure that your climate is good for fishing. Peach pits can be planted in the fall and left to sprout naturally in the spring, but it may be better to start the tree indoors. To begin with, wait for the onset of winter in December and soak several fishing pits of a few different varieties in water for a couple of hours. Place each core individually in a plastic container or plastic bag, put it in the refrigerator and store it in the cold at the top 30s F If it germinates (which is not certain), it will take a month or more. Plant it in a medium-sized pot, about 4 inches deep, and let it germinate and grow for the rest of the winter. Once the last frost date has passed, plant it. It will grow normally, although it will take a few years to reach fruit age!
Grapes, asparagus, garlic and onion are good companions for planting under or near a peach tree. Peach trees and these other plants will help each other with nutrients from the soil. Garlic can help repel common pests such as peach tree borers. Other pests that can disturb peaches include aphids, leafhoppers, ring nematodes and gall nematodes. Herbs such as fennel, coriander and yarrow can attract ladybugs. Plant them in the area, but well away from the tree. Ladybugs are the best solution against aphids!
