Grow
Peaches
Summer’s the peachiest time of year and, if you’re a real peach enthusiast, you might like to try growing a tree of your own so you can pick and eat the fresh fruit at its most luscious.
Peaches, which are thought to have originated in China and to have been grown since about 2000 BC, are very easy-going, deciduous fruit trees. Varieties can be found to suit a wide range of climates.
Most peaches are self-pollinating – this means you only need one tree for successful cropping – which is one of the reasons they’re so popular in the home garden. And, better still, peaches are pretty trees that are worth growing for their spring show of blossom alone.
Peach trees are most readily available in winter when, like so many deciduous plants, they’re sold bare-rooted or recently potted. But, since the introduction of dwarf peach varieties that are suitable for permanent pot culture, they’re often found on sale in containers and can be planted at virtually any time of year.
Peaches are great for impatient gardeners as they tend to fruit within a few years. They do best in an open, sunny position with well-drained soil. Mix in some compost or manure and some organic plant food (such as Yates Blood & Bone) before planting. A layer of mulch over the root area will help retain moisture, but keep the mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.
Winter pruning should open up the centre, remove crowded branches and weak stems, and encourage new growth. Remove excess fruit – they can be rubbed off – in the early stages so that the remaining fruit will grow to a good size. Feed regularly with Thrive granular Citrus Food through the growing season.
With such popularity it’s not surprising that peaches are prone to a number of pests and diseases. Most can be prevented by following a regular care regime.
- Peach leaf curl, shot hole and other fungal diseases can be controlled by spraying while the plants are dormant. Use a copper-based spray, such as Yates Champ DP or Nature’s Way Fungus Spray, carefully following the instructions about timing and spray application. Good coverage is essential.
- Borers burrow under the bark, leaving a tell-tale trail of mangled sawdust covering their entry hole. Clean out debris and poke a piece of wire down the hole to skewer the pest. Most importantly, feed the plant (Thrive Citrus Food or Blood & Bone).
- Oriental fruit moth caterpillar bores into the tips of the branches. Cut off and bin affected sections.
- Mavrik is an excellent low toxic control for aphids and thrips, sap-sucking pests that are most likely to attack young growth.
Yates Garden Fresh Cookbook has a delicious recipe for peach compote.
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NZ QA
Yates site member
16:56, 12 July 2011
Test will delete
diane
Yates site member
12:24, 23 April 2012
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