A fruit tree in your landscape is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. Once you allow a fruit tree to become established, it will provide a bountiful harvest of your favorite fruits that are fresher and so much sweeter than anything you can find in your local supermarket. This series of posts will showcase just some of the varieties we carry in our stores.

Peaches

Peaches have been grown in Asia for more than two-thousand years and produced for many centuries in the United States. Peaches are considered the “queen” of the fruits and second only to apples in popularity as a deciduous tree fruit. This popularity comes from their fine flavor and the multitude of uses for the fruit, including eating fresh with sugar and cream, or used in ice cream, pies, cobblers, and shortcakes. In addition, peaches are used for jam, jelly, preserves, and mixed fruit desserts.

Fresh peaches provide respectable amounts of the antioxidant vitamins A and C, in addition to potassium and fiber.

Most peach trees are self-fruiting and do not need another pollinator. However, if you’d like a bountiful harvest, plant two varieties. Both standard and dwarf varieties should bear fruit in two to three years.

ELBERTA DWARF

Elberta dwarf peaches are a lovely fruit tree that bears firm, juicy yellow freestone peaches flushed with red. The tree itself makes a wonderful ornamental specimen with amazing pink flowers in the spring. Full sun and well-drained soil are essential.

REDHAVEN

Redhaven peaches are a popular yet fickle fruit tree with firm, juicy reddish peaches in mid-summer. The tree itself makes a wonderful ornamental specimen with showy pink flowers and a low, spreading habit. Full sun and well-drained soil are essential.