Prunus persica, as the peach is called in Latin, is available in many varieties. In addition to the numerous well-known round peach varieties, there are also hairless nectarines and the very aromatic flat peaches and plate peaches.
What conditions does the peach tree need to thrive?
A peach tree needs a lot of sun, humus-rich and loose soil, nutrient-rich soil, sufficient space (at least 2 meters apart), regular pruning and preventive treatment against curl disease.
200-year-old gene mutation
The plate peach (also known as the flat peach or Saturn peach) was found in China over 200 years ago. It is probably a gene mutation of the traditional round peach. The very flat, dented-looking fruits are more aromatic and sweeter than “normal” peaches. These peaches are sometimes sold under the name “wild peach” or “vineyard peach”, but this is a misnomer – flat peaches are grown on plantations just like all other peaches and are in no way collected from nature. Flat peach varieties - of which there are now many different varieties - also have nothing in common with the vineyard peach.
Plate peach tree has the same requirements as normal peach tree
Apart from the shape and taste of the fruit, plate peach and round peach trees do not differ at all from one another. Both species love a sunny location, are quite sensitive to cold and are susceptible to curl disease, which is widespread among peaches. Flat peaches display wonderful pink flowers in spring.
This is what the flat peach tree needs
- Sun, sun and much more sun
- a humus-rich and loose soil
- nutrient-rich soil
- lots of space (at least two meters away from the next tree/plant!)
- as well as regular circumcision
- You should also treat the tree in spring to prevent curl disease (€8.00 on Amazon)
Pulling a plate peach out of the pit
If you like eating flat peaches, then save some of the stones and grow your own peach tree from them - with a little luck and a lot of good care, you can harvest peaches from your own sown peach tree within just a few years. However, keep in mind that peach pits need to be stratified, i.e. H. They only germinate after a few months of hibernation. However, do not put the kernels in the freezer as this will kill them. However, experience shows that peaches germinate excellently if you simply throw some of the kernels onto the compost heap in the fall and then take a look in the spring - you will definitely see little plants that you should then repot.
Tips & Tricks
If you like to harvest ripe peaches fresh from the tree, but only have a small terrace or balcony, then you can also use a dwarf peach tree. This will be a meter high at most.
