Peach Tree Care

The peach tree is a deciduous tree species famous for its edible juicy fruits known by the same name. Its scientific name is Prunus persica. Native to China, today the tree is grown in various countries of the world, including Iran, France, Spain, Greece and Italy. More recently, the tree species has also been introduced in North America and Australia. If you are from these regions, you can easily grow peach trees in your own backyard.

Basic Requirements

Before we move on to care guide, let's try to understand the various requirements of this species as far as factors like soil, temperature etc are concerned.

• In order to grow peach trees, ideally you require loam or clay loam soil, with a pH content of around 6.5. Secondly, it should facilitate proper drainage of water, as water logging often results in rotting of roots, especially for growing trees.
• Peaches require ample heat to ripen, which means the average mean temperature of the area in summer should be around 20C and 30C.
• Though these trees can tolerate a temperature of around -25C and -30C, the buds tend to get affected at this temperature, which in turn affects produce that follows.
• Spring freeze is yet another hindrance when it comes to peach trees. These trees bloom in early spring, and any drop in temperature below -4C tends to kill these blooming flowers.
• Other requirements for proper growth of peach trees include regular watering and use of fertilizers, both of which are of immense importance.

Owing to this long list of requirements, peach trees often grow in a limited range throughout the world.

Your Guide to Peach Tree Care

Mentioned below are various planting and care tips for peach trees, which highlight the things you need to do right from the moment you plant it to the moment it starts bearing fruit.

• Early winter is the best time to plant peach trees, as this gives the roots enough time to lay down and sustain new growth in spring.
• Before planting a peach tree sapling, you should ideally soak its roots in water for a few hours.
• The area you choose to plant the tree should receive sunlight in abundance, preferably throughout the day.
• Choosing an area with a free flow of air is always an advantage, as this will make sure that the cold air doesn't get accumulated in the surroundings during frosty nights.
• When digging the hole the plant the sapling, make sure that it is large enough to accommodate the roots of the sapling comfortably.
• You will also have to make sure that you water the plant regularly, that being one of the basic requirements. The amount and frequency of watering should be increased just before the harvesting season to get a better crop.
• You can use fertilizers as well as manure in order to ensure that the tree gets the required nutrients. Fertilizers can be applied regularly, while manure should be used once in a while, preferably during autumn.
• Ideally, you should prune the tree at the onset of spring, as well as throughout the growing season.
• At times, you may observe that the harvest is much more than you expected. In such circumstances, you should ideally reduce their number as a large harvest will mean compromise in the quality.

Once you grasp these basics and put them to use, you are bound to be rewarded with a decent harvest. And yes, don't forget that peaches taste best the day they are picked, and storing or refrigerating them just hampers their taste.