Cathy Isom has some great tips about growing perfect peaches even in colder climates. That’s coming up on This Land of ours.
Peaches are typically grown in warm areas. There’s a reason the state of Georgia is associated with this orange-colored fruit. Peaches thrive in warm weather and full sunlight.
As with any fruit tree, it’s crucial to pick a variety that suits your zone and climate. Picking a hardy tree variety is critical if you’re planning to plant a peach tree in a location with harsh winters, but keeping your tree alive also involves selecting the right area for planting and preventing exposure to rapidly changing temperatures.
Keeping a peach tree alive is more difficult in colder zones, but it is possible. In fact, for colder climates try growing peaches in containers. You can bring the plants inside to keep them from being exposed to a prolonged freeze, which can kill your peach trees. The Peach varieties suited for colder climates include: Canadian Harmony, Glohaven, Reliance, Contender, Madison, and Redhaven.
Peach trees are ready to produce 3-4 years after planting. Harvest time is mid-summer and late-summer. Fruit typically appears between 3 and 5 months after flowers start to bloom and become pollinated. It’s best to let the fruit ripen on the tree instead of picking it early. The taste will remain superior this way. Peaches are ready for picking when they’re slightly soft to the touch and easily twist off the branch.
Eat peaches quickly after picking and store in a cool place for about a week.
I’m Cathy Isom…
