The peach is one of the fruit trees that have been cultivated for many thousands of years. This is hardly surprising, because the juicy fruits are very sweet and also he althy. Hardly anyone knows that peaches also grow and bear fruit in the German climate. In this short profile we introduce you to the peach tree.
What are the most important characteristics of a peach tree?
A peach tree (Prunus persica) is a fruit tree from the rose family that grows up to 4 meters high in Germany. Flowering occurs from March to April and fruit ripens between July and September. There are around 3,000 different types of peaches worldwide, and the selection of varieties for frost-tolerant and robust peaches is important in Germany.
The peach is a member of the rose family
The Latin name for the peach is “Prunus persica” and means “Persian apple”. This name goes back to the origin of the peach, as the fruit came to Central Europe from what is now Iran. However, the peach actually comes from China. Like other types of stone fruit, the peach belongs to the rose family and is primarily related to the apricot and almond, but also to local varieties such as plum and cherry.
Flowers and fruits
In Germany, peaches grow primarily in the form of bush trees that can grow up to three or four meters high. Depending on the variety, the tree reaches heights of between one (dwarf peach) and eight meters. The white to pink flowers bloom very early in the year and sometimes burst as early as March. However, most varieties do not bloom until April. The apple-like fruits can be white to bright red and contain a woody seed core inside the pulp. The actual seed is located within the woody shell and looks similar to an almond. In contrast to this, however, it is poisonous and should therefore not be eaten. The fruits ripen between July and September.
Large variety of varieties
There are around 3,000 different types of peaches worldwide, which are primarily distinguished from each other by the color of their flesh. There are white, yellow, red and red-fibered peaches. Special varieties include plate or flat peaches and nectarines. The latter are special, hairless breeds. However, not all varieties are equally suitable for cultivation in German gardens. Peaches grown here should be robust and frost tolerant to a certain extent.
Growing peaches in Germany
Peaches are mainly grown in the German wine-growing regions. In principle, peach trees can also tolerate very cold temperatures; the main problem is the frequent late frosts. These cause the flowers to freeze and thus cause a crop failure. However, the flowers can be protected with the help of a fleece (€34.00 on Amazon).
Tips & Tricks
Peaches are quite susceptible to fungal diseases. Careful selection of the right location and preventative spraying measures can help prevent an infestation.
