Many peach varieties, especially those with yellow flesh, are susceptible to curl disease, which endangers the tree and yield. However, the risk of infestation can be reduced if insensitive varieties are planted. The sweet Frenchman, Peach Benedicte, is one of them.
What characterizes the peach Benedicte?
Peach Benedicte is a robust, leaf curl-resistant variety with large, sweet, white-fleshed fruits. Originally from France, it ripens late (end of August to mid-September), grows up to four meters high and is self-fertile. It is suitable for fresh consumption and for preserving.
Benedict bears large, sweet fruits
Peach Benedicte originally comes from France, more precisely from the Bouches-du-Rhône region. The department is located in southeastern France, near the cities of Marseille and Arles. Benedicte develops very large, white-fleshed fruits with the typical red peach skin. The pulp can be easily removed from the stone. This variety is one of the late-ripening varieties; the peaches are ready to eat between the end of August and mid-September.
Growly and robust
Benedicte grows quite quickly and is up to four meters high, with the crown developing comparatively expansively. Therefore, when planting, ensure there is sufficient distance from other plantings, buildings and neighboring properties. This variety is considered robust, especially against curl disease, which is widespread in peaches. The peach tree is also suitable for harsher climates as it is itself frost resistant. However, the flowers are very sensitive to late frosts. Benedicte blooms between March and April with white to soft pink flowers. The variety is self-fertile.
Planting and caring for the peach Benedicte
This peach variety needs a location protected from moisture, rain and cold; a (covered) corner of the garden is ideal, if space permits. When it comes to soil, Benedicte is quite undemanding; loose, humus-rich garden soil is sufficient. If your garden contains a rather heavy substrate, you can mix the excavated material with peat (€13.00 on Amazon) and commercially available humus soil and use this mixture as potting soil. In this case, the planting hole should be about twice as wide and just as deep - but don't plant the tree too deep.
Proper Care of a Peach Tree
- Peaches need to be pruned regularly
- this is particularly important for Benedicte, who enjoys growth
- best time is after harvest
- Cover early flowers with a fleece if there is a risk of night frosts
- fertilize about once a month
- Treat leaf and flower buds before opening with a tonic against curl disease
Using the Peach Benedicte
This variety is ideal for fresh consumption, but also great for preserving or for various desserts such as Peach Cardinal - also a wonderful sweet treat from France.
Tips & Tricks
Although Benedicte, like all peach varieties, is self-fruitful, a second peach tree significantly improves the fruit yield. However, you would need a correspondingly large garden for two trees of this variety.