Species peach
yellow-pink fruits with green leaves and green-brown branches

peach

Prunus persica 'Reliance'

Peach (Prunus persica 'Reliance') is a deciduous tree with abundant harvest of delicious fruit. The trees are aesthetically pleasing with an abundance of fragrant, white blossoms in the spring and small, round, green foliage during the summer months. The ripe fruit is known for its attractive, orange-red blush and juicy, sweet flesh that melts in your mouth. This cultivar is disease-resistant and adapts to all soil types, making it a great choice for any home orchard. Enjoy fresh peaches eaten straight off the tree or use them in jams, pies, and cobblers.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Budding,Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Fruits:

yellow,orange,peach Fruits Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

It is recommended to water a Peach tree 1 to 3 times per week. However, it will depend on the weather and the season. During the winter/colder months, water deeply with less frequency - 2 to 3 times a month should be enough. If the weather is very hot or very cold, provide extra water as needed. Make sure to check the root zone of your Peach tree before watering to determine if it needs the moisture. Too much water can be just as damaging to a plant.

sunlight

Peach trees (Prunus persica 'Reliance') require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, typically found in the full sun to partial shade range. In partial shade (4-6 hours of sunlight) peach trees will still produce flowers and fruit, although less than that in full sun. To ensure maximum photosynthesis and healthiest fruit production, growth and flowering should occur in full sun environments.

pruning

Peach trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring, once any danger of hard freezes has passed. Pruning helps to maintain the ideal size and shape of the tree, as well as promote strong fruiting. To prune a peach tree, remove any dead, diseased, or weak limbs and thin the canopy to open the tree up and allow for better air circulation. Depending on the size and condition of the tree, you can remove up to 25% of the tree. When possible, try to leave large, outward-facing buds that will encourage branching and fruiting. Additionally, pruning the sucker shoots throughout the summer months will ensure proper airflow.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Prunus persica 'Reliance' typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus persica 'Reliance' (peach) typically begins in May and ends in August.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus persica 'Reliance' (peach) typically begins in May and ends in August.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Do peach plants require a specific climate to bloom?

Yes, peach plants do require specific climates in order to bloom. They need warm weather and plenty of sunshine, preferably in temperatures of 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit. They need to be kept in a dry climate, as they can be sensitive to too much moisture. During the summer months, peach trees should be carefully monitored and pruned to ensure that the tree is getting enough sun and air movement. Peach trees prefer full sun throughout the day, and in cold climates, they should be sheltered from cold temperatures and winter snow. Additionally, they need good soil drainage in order to support healthy growth.

Is it possible to grow peach plants in colder regions?

Yes, peach plants can be grown in colder regions. Peaches are hardy and their fruit production is greatly affected by cold temperatures and freezing temperatures can harm blossoms, but properly planted and cared for peach trees can survive harsh winter weather. It is important for peach trees in colder regions to be placed in a sunny spot with good air circulation and protection from cold winds. Planting them in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter is also beneficial to keep the tree healthy and help it withstand cold weather. Mulching during the winter and pruning at the right time are also important for keeping a peach tree in colder climates healthy.

Are peach trees self-pollinating?

Yes, peach trees are self-pollinating. This means that they do not require cross-pollination from a nearby tree in order to produce fruit. Depending on the variety of peach, some trees may require very little pollination, while others may need a bit more in order to set fruit. Peach trees also have the ability to produce some fruits in the absence of pollination, although this will often cause the fruits to be smaller and less flavorful.

Is it better to choose freestone or clingstone peach varieties?

The choice between freestone and clingstone peach varieties depends on the purpose they are used for. Freestone peaches have a pit that easily separates from the flesh of the fruit, making them a better choice if the plan is to slice and can them. On the other hand, clingstone peaches have a pit that doesn't separate so easily from the flesh of the fruit, making them a better choice if the intent is to eat them fresh, or if the plan is to make a puree or compote.

Can peach trees be grown in greenhouses?

Yes, peach trees can be grown in greenhouses. Growing fruit trees in greenhouses is an excellent way to extend the growing season, protect the tree from environmental conditions and invasions from pests, and grow a productive tree no matter where you live. Greenhouse cultivation of peach trees requires careful climate control that provides suitable temperatures and humidity levels for the tree to produce fruit. Specialized pruning methods are also used in greenhouse peach cultivation to maximize the number of potential fruit-bearing nodes. However, attention must be paid to the potential for fungal growth due to high humidity levels and ripening fruits. With the proper equipment and care, greenhouse grown peach trees can yield delicious fruit well beyond the traditional growing season.

Is it possible to grow peaches in containers or pots?

Yes, it is possible to grow peaches in containers or pots. Growing a peach tree in a pot requires selecting a dwarf variety, and choosing a container with a large enough size and good drainage. The soil in a pot dries out more quickly than in-ground soil, and the climate can increase the need for water more quickly; therefore, planting a peach tree in a pot requires daily watering and monthly fertilizing to keep the tree healthy. Pruning may also be necessary to ensure air circulation and light penetration for the tree.

Is it necessary to remove suckers from peach trees?

Yes, it is necessary to remove suckers from peach trees. Suckers are small, slender shoots that grow from the roots of the tree. These shoots work against the tree as they rob the tree of energy from photosynthesis and nutrients from the soil. Removing the suckers will help to ensure the overall health of the tree and the quality of its fruit.

Do Peach plants need cross-pollination?

Yes, peach plants do require cross-pollination in order to successfully reproduce and produce fruit. Unlike some other fruit plants, peach trees cannot self-pollinate. In fact, it is beneficial to have more than one variety of peach tree in order to ensure sufficient pollination. If one variety is not producing pollen, another variety might be able to successfully cross-pollinate with the unproductive variety. Bee pollination is often necessary for successful peach production as well. Therefore, to increase the chances of successful fruit production, growers should ensure that there is cross-pollination available.