How to Grow Peaches

Before purchasing plants, consider where you will grow the fruit tree. While peaches may be considered small trees, they will still need adequate space. Standard trees typically spread up to 30 feet; the semi-dwarf types will spread to about 15 feet. They will need plenty of sun, at least 8 to 10 hours per day, well-drained soil, and protection from winter winds.

Peach trees are self-fruitful, which means it isn’t necessary to plant more than one peach variety for pollination. If growing more than one tree, Georgia Extension recommends spacing 18 to 20 feet apart.  

Get your soil tested before planting and follow recommendations when it comes to adjusting pH and fertility. Soil pH needs to be 6.5. Soil test kits are available from most county Extension offices for free or for a nominal fee. A fruit tree can live 10 to 20 years, so the investment in preparing the soil and planting area can be well worth it.

Inquire with your local garden center or county Extension office for recommendations on best varieties to grow in your region. This will vary across the country.

Recommendations will likely take into consideration your Plant Hardiness Zone and the chill hours for your region. According to Georgia Extension, one of the main factors to determine if a peach tree is adapted to a location is the chill hours. Each variety has a chill hour requirement, which is the amount of time that the temperature is between 32 degrees F and 45 degrees F. Chill hours refer to the number of cold hours needed by peaches, or any deciduous crop, to break winter dormancy. Inadequate chilling can result in poor bud break, flower bud death, reduced quality and fruit set, small fruit, and weakened trees.

Purchase rootstock or trees from a reputable garden center or nursery. Select healthy 1-year-old trees that are about 3 to 4 feet tall with a good root system.

Peach trees are typically available as potted trees or bare root plants. Don’t let either dry out. Keep bare root plants moist and shaded. Plant as soon as possible. Plant while dormant, from early winter in warmer climates to late spring in colder climates when soil can be worked.

Dig a hole wide and deep. It should be twice as wide as the width of the rootball and deep enough to be at the same depth as it was planted at the nursery. Avoid cramping or bending the roots. Work the soil in and around the roots and tamp down lightly when the hole is half-way filled. Complete filling the hole and pack the soil firmly. Do not add fertilizer to the hole. Water thoroughly.

Add a thin layer of mulch to keep weeds away from the tree, at least in an area 3 feet around the tree. This prevents the tree from having to compete for both nutrients and moisture. 

When the tree blooms in the spring, hand thinning some of the flowers can help produce larger peaches. Penn State Extension recommends thinning to about 8 to 10 inches between each fruit.

Peaches need to be pruned. The timing depends on your region so check with your local Extension office. Pruning too early makes the tree susceptible to winter injury. Pruning too late may reduce fruit size. Your county Extension office or Master Gardeners are good resources for guidance on pruning.

Fertilizing

According to Clemson Extension, fertilizing peaches starts with adjusting the soil pH to 6.5 before planting. If lime needs to be incorporated, do so at least 12 inches deep and over a 10-by 10-foot area.

• Fertilization times can vary across the country, generally March in warmer climates and May in cooler climates. Check with your local garden center or county Extension office for recommendations. Do not fertilize late in the year, after August 1.
• For most home gardens, University of New Hampshire Extension recommends an application of half a pound of complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to non-bearing trees. Broadcast it over an area 3 feet in diameter. For mature bearing trees, the recommendation is one pound of 10-10-10. 
• Adjust application rates depending on the health of your tree. Vigorous growers may not need fertilizer, for example.

Controlling Pests, Diseases, and Other Problems

• Brown rot can be a problem and is typically controlled with spray fungicides. Clemson Extension recommends starting dormant sprays and using through the growing season. 
• Insects include plum curculio, stink bugs, grasshoppers, beetles, and moths. Pesticides can be used. Follow label directions. If going the organic route, consider specialty fruit bags that encase the fruit, allowing for minimal chance of attack by fungi or insects.
• Insecticides can be harmful to bees. If using, apply late in the day when bees are not out and about. 

Depending on your region of the country, peaches typically begin producing in June or July. The beauty of tree fruits is that you will typically harvest over a period of time as the fruits do not all mature at one time.

Look for creamy yellow to dark orange, red, or reddish pink fruit. If the peach still has some green, it is not fully ripe. When ripe, the fruit yields to gentle hand pressure along the crease. Fruits on the ends of branches and those high in the tree ripen first. Taste test the first peaches to determine whether others are ready for harvest. Be careful to avoid bruising the peaches.

Storing

If peaches still need to ripen, store them at room temperature or in a loosely closed paper bag. Unripe fruit will not continue to ripen in the refrigerator. If peaches are fully ripe, consume immediately or store in the refrigerator 3 to 5 days.

Peaches typically freeze beautifully. Retain both appearance and flavor by using ascorbic acid products. A water or syrup pack are a couple of methods. One of the easiest methods is to peel, pit, and slice peaches. Sprinkle Fruit Fresh on the raw, sliced peaches. Use about ½ teaspoon for every cup of peaches and mix thoroughly so the product gets on all the peaches. Drain, if needed, then place peach slices onto parchment-lined cookie sheet. Keep the peach slices spaced apart. Freeze 4 to 6 hours until peaches are thoroughly frozen. Remove from trays and store in ziptop freezer bags. It’s easy to measure out as few or as many as you need for smoothies or other recipes. 

Peaches also can be canned, dried, or made into relishes, salsas, or spreads.

• Check with your local garden center or nursery or county Extension office for best planting and fertilizing dates, pruning guidelines, and best cultivars for your region
• Take the time to get a soil test and adequately prepare the planting site. 
• Implement good cultural requirements such as healthy soil, weed suppression, plenty of sunshine and water to reduce pests and diseases.