The Amsden peach variety is one of the early varieties. Its white-fleshed fruits ripen in July. In addition, the old American variety is less susceptible to curl disease and is otherwise quite robust.
Where does the Amsden peach variety come from and what are its characteristics?
The Amsden peach is an early ripening, white-fleshed variety that originally comes from the USA and was discovered in 1868. This peach variety is robust and less susceptible to curl disease, a fungal infection that often occurs on peaches.
Old and proven variety
This old peach variety comes from a chance seedling in 1868. It was discovered by L. C. Amsden, a gardener from Carthago in the US state of Missouri. The new peach variety proved to be very fruitful and less susceptible to all sorts of diseases, including the dreaded curl disease. The Amsden peach was first introduced at the Philadelphia World's Fair in 1876 and was officially recognized by the American Pomological Society the following year, 1877. Also in 1876, the new peach variety came to Europe.
Strong tree, tasty fruits
The vigorously growing, very resilient tree has a wide crown and can grow up to five meters high under the right conditions. The numerous dark pink flowers bloom between mid and late March, depending on the weather. They are insensitive to night frost, but you should still protect the tree from the cold with a light fleece covering. The small to medium-sized peaches have light flesh and a small stone. They taste juicy and sweet. The fruits ripen early and in abundance. The Amsden peach is suitable for both table peaches and canning.
Amsden is resistant to curl disease
Peaches, but also their related nectarines as well as apricot and almond trees, are often attacked by the fungus Taphrina deformans, which causes vesicle or curl disease. To limit damage, planting resistant varieties is advisable. In addition to Amsden, these are the peach varieties
- Red Ellerstädter
- Formerly Alexander
- Record from Alfter
- Fidelia
- Benedict
- Harrow Beauty
- or the popular vineyard peach.
Although the peaches mentioned are far less susceptible to disease than other varieties, they can still be affected by curl disease. Treatment with copper-containing fungicides should be carried out as a preventive measure, even before the first leaves and flowers develop in spring.
Tips & Tricks
Planting garlic, horseradish or nasturtium under or near the tree also has a fungicidal effect. Garlic is particularly effective here.
