How To Grow Your Own Peach Trees: A Comprehensive Guide!
If you're here, you're probably as excited about the idea of growing your own peach trees. And I get it; biting into a juicy, homegrown peach is just, well, peachy! It is the perfect snack on a hot summer day!
We have eight organic dwarf peach trees, and they have blessed us with healthy fruit over the past few years. It took some work to get where we are today, but it was so worth it.
Friend, I will be honest with you: growing peach trees from seed or young plants can be challenging. Peaches are not native to North America; however, many cultivars have been developed for successful growth. Proper location and cultivation and thorough care throughout the year will be the key to a successful harvest.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing peach trees!
Contents:
Why Grow Peach Trees?
First off, why should you grow peach trees? Well, for one, peaches are delicious! They're perfect for snacking, baking, canning, and even grilling. Plus, growing your own fruit means you know exactly what goes into them – no nasty chemicals or pesticides.
Another great reason is that peach trees can be quite beautiful. In the spring, they're covered in pink blossoms that can brighten up any garden. And come summer, those blossoms turn into tasty, juicy fruits. It's like having a little slice of paradise in your backyard.
They are also healthy! Along with potassium and fiber, fresh peaches offer reasonable levels of antioxidant vitamins A and C.
Lastly, peaches are self-fertile and get pollinated by insects. So you only need 1 tree to provide your family with an abundance of peaches!
Learn more about canning!
Want to learn all there is to know about how to can food safely and become a canning expert? Then my canning course might just be what you need!
25 informative, interactive videos take you from start to finish, covering everything there is to know about canning.
Popular Types of Peach Trees
Before you dive in, it's good to know what type of peach tree might be best for your needs and climate.
One of the main things to consider when choosing a variety is the chill hours needed. Each variety has a different chill hour requirement for normal plant growth and fruiting. More on chill hours below!
You should also purchase your peach trees from reputable nurseries to ensure healthy trees of your desired cultivar.
Popular varieties
There are many yellow or white flesh and early or late-bearing peach trees. Here are a few popular types:
Elberta: A classic peach that's great for eating fresh or canning. It's pretty hardy and can handle colder climates.
Redhaven: Known for its sweet and juicy flavor, this medium-sized peach is quite hardy and one of the earliest to ripen.
Cresthaven: A mid to late-season variety is hardy and resistant to bacterial spot, a common peach tree disease. It offers large, yellow peaches.
Reliance: A very hardy variety that is good for colder growing zones. It is an early producer of yellow, medium peaches.
Donut: Yes, you read that right! But more officially, "Galaxy" or "Saturn". These peaches are flat and doughnut-shaped, have white flesh, and they're super sweet.
Bonanza: Dwarf peach trees that only reach six feet tall but still produce full-sized fruit.
Belle of Georgia: Georgia is afterall peach country ;-) These trees offer very hardy, white flesh and large, late-season peaches.
Best Climates for Peach Trees
Mild Climates
Peach trees do best in mild climates, like zones 5-8. Zones 4 and 9 can try growing more cold—or heat-tolerant varieties.
Chill hours
Peaches need an average of 600 chill hours of at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to produce fruit. A chill hour is when the temperature is between 32 degrees F and 45 degrees F.
You can find this information using your local area's weather system (for us here in Georgia, it is the Georgia Weather System). Within this system, click on the location closest to you and look for the link to the chilling hours calculator. Choose dates from October 1 to February 15 to calculate the chilling hours.
Frigid winters
Peach trees won’t do their best in areas with harsh winters and extended periods where temperatures dip below 0 degrees. Very low winter temperatures or unexpected late-spring frosts can cause your season's crop to be lost. The best chance for success in growing peaches is to choose bud-hardy cultivars, protecting the bloom from late-spring frosts.
humid climates
Humid climates are not ideal, but peach trees may tolerate it. Georgie can get quite humid, but our peach trees are thriving! Just know that excessive wetness can encourage fungal diseases.
Where to Plant Peach Trees
Location is vital when it comes to planting peach trees.
sunlight
Peach trees love the sun. I cannot stress this enough. We had two trees that got more shade, and they did not do well. They became diseased and just awful. Peach trees need at least 8 hours of sunlight daily to produce those delicious fruits.
Well-drained soil
They also prefer well-drained, acidic, sandy soil. If your soil is heavy and clay-like, you might need to amend it with some sand or compost to improve drainage.
Elevated location
Avoid low-lying areas where frost can settle, as peach trees can be sensitive to late spring frosts. A slightly elevated location is great. You should also try to protect the trees from winter winds. If the garden is on a slope, plant the trees on the side of the hill to lessen the effects of the wind and cold.
Space
Also, consider the space if you are planting more than one tree. Peach trees can spread quite a bit, so plant them at least 18 - 20 feet apart and 5-10 feet for dwarf peaches.
When to Plant Peach Trees
The best time to plant potted peach trees is in the early spring, after the last frost, or even late winter if your winter is not too harsh, while it is still dormant. This gives the tree a full growing season to establish itself before the next winter.
how to plant & grow Peach Trees
You've got three options when it comes to growing peach trees: starting them from seed (the pit), propagating from an existing tree, or planting a potted or bare-root tree from a nursery.
Grow Peach Trees from Seed
Growing from seed is a bit of a gamble since the new tree might not be exactly like the parent. But it can be a fun experiment! It will also take much longer to get those juice peaches!
Save the pit: After enjoying a peach, save the pit. Clean it off and let it dry for a few days.
Crack it open: Carefully crack the pit to get the seed inside. The seed is white and looks very similar to an almond. Be gentle – you don't want to damage the seed.
Cold stratify: Place the seed in a plastic bag with some damp peat moss or paper towel and keep it in the refrigerator for 8-10 weeks. This mimics the winter chill period.
Plant: After stratification, when the seed has some growth emerging, it's time to plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep it moist and in a sunny spot.
Transplant: Once the seedling is a few inches tall, and has a couple of leaves, start to harden it off and then transplant it outside in its permanent location.
Note* You can plant a peach seedling in your garden during the warmer months. If you started your seed indoors during the colder months, transplant it outdoors after the last spring frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.
Grow Peach Trees by Propagation
Propagation involves taking a cutting from an existing peach tree and encouraging it to grow roots. Here's how you do it:
Choose a branch: In early spring, find a healthy branch that's about a year old.
Cut: Take a 6-8 inch cutting just below a node (where leaves attach to the branch).
Prepare: Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Plant: Stick the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat moss. Keep it moist and in a warm, sunny spot.
Transplant: After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots. You can then transplant it to its permanent spot outside and follow the steps as you would plant a more mature peach tree.
Planting Mature Peach Trees
We use the Ellen White Tree Planting Method. It has given us so much success with our fruit trees.
If you're planting a mature tree, here's a quick how-to:
Soil prep: Test your soil's pH. Peach trees prefer a pH of 6.0-6.5. If needed, amend the soil with lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Work in plenty of compost to ensure good drainage.
Digging holes: Dig a hole that's about twice the width of the tree's root ball and just as deep. This gives the roots plenty of room to spread out.
Planting: Place the tree in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill the hole with soil, pressing down gently to remove air pockets. Do not add compost at this stage.
Water: Water the soil thoroughly after finishing. Peach trees need regular watering, especially in the first few years as they're getting established. Aim for about an inch of water per week. Once the tree is mature, you can cut back on watering, but give it extra during dry spells.
Fertilizer: Do not fertilize newly planted peach trees until March. Then, at the beginning of spring, you can fertilize with kelp, molasses, biochar, and Fruit Tree fertilizers such as the one from Down To Earth Fertilizers. Jared fertilizes our trees quarterly and more frequently during the summer months if needed. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can encourage new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter.
Can You Grow Peaches In Pots?
You can absolutely grow peach trees in pots! It's a great option if you have limited space or want to move your tree around to catch the best sunlight. Here are a few tips:
It's best to choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety like Bonanza, Honey Babe, or Bell of Georgia, making them more suitable for container growth.
Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the tree's roots and provide stability. The pot should be at least 15-20 gallons (about 18-24 inches in diameter). Larger is always better for stability and root growth.
Ensure the pot has good drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Place the pot in a sunny location where the tree will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a very hot climate, some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf burn.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. More on pruning later!
If you have frigid winters, move the pot to a garage or unheated basement where it will stay cool but not freeze. If you leave the pot outside, wrap it with burlap or bubble wrap to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
When Do Peach Trees Start Producing Fruit?
Peach trees typically start producing fruit 3-4 years after planting.
I remember how we purposely removed the blooms the first few years to allow the roots to develop fully and be their strongest. It really did test our patience and temptation!
The first few years are all about the tree establishing itself and growing solid roots.
Pruning and Thinning
Pruning is crucial for peach trees. It helps maintain their shape, improves air circulation, and encourages better fruit production.
You want to prune the tree so that the inside branches are trimmed, and the tree looks almost like an upside-down umbrella. This way, more sun can reach the inside branches.
Here's a simple guide:
When to prune: In our experience we have found it best to prune in early spring. Unlike most fruit trees that should be pruned in late winter, early spring has shown to work next for peach trees. . You will start pruning the same year you planted the tree.
How to prune: Remove any dead or diseased branches first. Then, focus on opening up the center of the tree to allow sunlight to reach all parts. Cut back any overly vigorous branches to keep the tree balanced.
Thinning is also important. Too many fruits can lead to smaller peaches and can stress the tree. Approximately three to four weeks after bloom, or when the largest fruits are as large as a quarter, thin them out so there's about 6-8 inches between each fruit.
How to Encourage More Blooms
If you want more blooms (and more fruit), here are a few tips:
Proper pruning: As mentioned, pruning helps sunlight reach all parts of the tree, encouraging more blooms.
Balanced fertilization: Too much nitrogen can lead to lots of leafy growth but fewer flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer and avoid over-fertilizing.
Good watering practices: Consistent watering is key, especially during dry periods.
Overwintering
Peach trees can be sensitive to cold, so protecting them in winter, especially in colder climates, is essential. Here's how:
Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree to insulate the roots.
Wrap the trunk: In very cold areas, you can wrap the trunk with tree wrap or burlap to protect it from freezing temperatures.
Watering: Give the tree a good watering before the ground freezes to help it stay hydrated over winter.
Location: If your peach trees are in pots and you can move them, move them to more sheltered, warmer locations.
When and How to Harvest Peaches
Peaches are ready to harvest when they're fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Here's how to pick them:
Check for ripeness: Gently squeeze the peach. It should give a little but not be too mushy.
Twist and pull: Hold the peach in your hand and twist it gently. If it's ripe, it should come off easily.
Store: Freshly picked peaches can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you have a lot, consider canning or freezing them to enjoy later.
Common Peach Tree Problems
Peach trees can face a few issues, but don't worry – most are manageable.
Pests: Aphids, scales, and peach tree borers are common pests. Inspect your tree regularly and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
Diseases: Peach leaf curl and brown rot are common diseases. Look for discolored leaves or spots on the fruit, and treat with a fungicide if necessary. Also, remember to remove affected leaves and prune for better air circulation.
Frost damage: Late spring frosts can damage blossoms and reduce fruit production. If frost is expected, cover the tree with a frost cloth and mulch around the base of your tree.
Not bearing fruit: There can be several reasons. Your tree might still be too young, poor polination in which case you can self-polinate or plant another tree nearby, insufficient chill hours during the winter, improper pruning, over or under-watering.
recipes using peaches
Friend, this is a lot of information, I know, and it takes some work and continued care to grow beautiful peach trees. But once your peach trees are settled and mature, they will offer you with beautiful, juicy peaches for years to come!
And you can make so many delicious things with your homegrown peaches!
Here are some of my favorite recipes:
Savoury sweet salsa with tomatoes and peaches
Happy peach growing!
Love, Annette xx
pin for later
