Hortiforum

General Info – Peach & Nectarine

Note on Peaches & Nectarines: Botanically, Peaches and Nectarines are both the same species, Prunus Persica. The smooth, hairless Nectarines are the result of a natural mutation in the gene responsible for producing the distinctive fuzz of peaches. Both Peaches and Nectarines have very similar growing requirements, although Nectarines are noted to be more susceptible to diseases and slightly less cold-hardy. Regardless, gardeners should consider more closely the specific variety (whether Peach or Nectarine) and its specific requirements and benefits. While reference will be made to Peaches below, the information will also equally apply to Nectarines.

Fruit
Juicy, aromatic, and flavourful, Peaches are one of the most delicious fruits and an iconic flavour of summer to eagerly anticipate. Fresh, ripe Peaches are absolutely delectable, perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserving. Peaches are most often enjoyed fresh for their bright, summer flavour and juicy, succulent flesh. Peaches can be enjoyed in many ways, either baked to create peach tarts or peach cobbler, or used to make a refreshing peach iced tea, also being excellent bottled or canned for storage. For those looking for a mild, sweeter flavour, choose a white-fleshed variety. In contrast, the yellow-fleshed variety offers a delightful, mild tartness and full flavour. Varieties can also be classified as freestone, where the flesh separates easily from the stone, and clingstone, where the flesh clings to the stone. Peach trees produce one large crop of fruit that ripens altogether within a short period, often leading to a glut of fruits but also restricting the potential fresh-eating period. This can be mitigated by preserving crops and growing different early, mid, and late-season varieties, which will spread out their fresh availability. Peach varieties include the Australian-bred ‘Anzac’ peach, which has maroon skin and freestone white flesh that is deliciously juicy and sweet, while the ‘Golden Queen’ features gorgeous golden skin and firm yellow flesh and the unique ‘China Flat’ has a donut shape, fragrant white flesh, and a small seed.
Cultivation
While all Peaches require warm summers to ripen fruits and harden wood, available varieties are suited for climates ranging from cool temperate to subtropical. Choosing a variety with suitable chill hour requirements is important to ensure proper dormancy periods and the timing of flowering. Subtropical peach varieties include, the Flordagold, Tropic Beauty & Tropic Snow, while subtropical nectarine varieties include Sunbob, Sunraycer & Sunwright. A full sun position is also crucial for disease resistance, plant health, and productivity. Fertile, well-draining soils will enable healthy growth and ensure strong trees. Peach trees can be among the more challenging fruit trees to grow and can be susceptible to pests and diseases, particularly in climates with humid summers. Therefore, it is essential to address and prevent these challenges by providing ideal growing conditions. Diseases can be managed by ensuring excellent airflow and ventilation, achieved through proper pruning, with an open-centered, goblet shape often desired. Like Plums and Apricots, Peaches are often targeted by fruit flies, which can be countered by netting trees with ripening fruits.
Appearance
The size and mature height of peach trees will vary depending on rootstock and pruning. With regular pruning or the use of a dwarf rootstock, trees can be kept to a manageable height below 3m. ‘Super Dwarf’ varieties are also available which will keep below 1.5m. Peach trees require yearly pruning to maintain form and ensure ventilation. If desired, gardeners can utilise the espalier technique, which creates an attractive, easily maintained form that receives plentiful sunlight and ventilation, while also being easily netted. Peach trees mature into low, broad trees with a rounded crown. With their lush, curling foliage, beautiful pink-white blooms, and golden-red autumn leaves, Peach trees are highly ornamental from spring flowering to autumn leaf shedding.
Challenging but deeply rewarding, peach trees, with some effort and care, will produce bountiful summer crops of luscious fruits.

Plant Profile/Properties