Peach

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How to grow: UC Backyard Orchard, Peach

Pest management: Nectarines and Peaches

Calendar: Peaches & Nectarines: Calendar of Operations for Home Gardeners

The Basics

When to plant: January–March

Harvest window: June–October, depending on variety

Fertilization: Nitrogen in spring and fall, additional applications based on tree age, health, and soil quality

Annual care overview:

• Dormant Spray (December–February): depending on disease pressure, consider dormant sprays to control for aphids, mites, scale, and/or peach leaf curl.
• Dormant Pruning (January–February): 50% of previous year's wood.
• Fruit thinning to ensure fruit is roughly 6 inches apart.
• Monitor and control for common pests & diseases, such as aphids, scale, brown rot, and shot hole fungus.

Some Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County^*

Peaches: All freestone types: Arctic Supreme, Baby Crawford (Phil Adrian), Early Elberta (Gleason), Flavorcrest, J.H. Hale, J.M. Mack, Nectar, O'Henry, Silver Logan, Stark's Saturn (donut shape - white flesh), Strawberry Free, Sugarlady, Suncrest and Zee Lady

Genetic Dwarf Peaches: Empress, Garden Gold, Golden Gem, Golden Glory, Honey Babe, Southern Flame, Southern Rose and Southern Sweet

Peach Leaf Curl Resistant: The UC Peach Leaf Curl Pest Note includes a section on resistant varieties.

^* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.