BONNIE’S GARDEN – Ten Fun Facts About Peaches

August is National Peach Month, so here are a few interesting facts about them:

Ten Fun Facts About Peaches

1. The botanical name is Prunus persica—which means Persian plum. Ancient Romans called them Persian Apples.
2. Peaches are native to China where they are considered a symbol of good luck and longevity.
3. Peaches are a member of the Rose Family—this makes them related to plums, apricots, apples, pears, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries—even almonds!
4. The world’s largest peach cobbler is made every year in Georgia—measuring 5 feet by 11 feet! I wonder how much ice cream it takes to top that…
5. Nectarines are not a cross between a peach and a plum. They are simply a variety of peach without fuzz.
6. Peaches are a good source of vitamins A, B, C, and phytonutrients like beta-carotene and selenium—a micro-nutrient that is known for anti-cancer properties. They are low in calories and a good source of fiber.
7. The world’s largest grower of peaches is China, followed by Italy. In the U.S. the top 4 peach-growing states are California, South Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey. While Georgia is “The Peach State,” California actually grows more peaches.
8. It’s believed that Spanish missionaries brought peach trees to the U. S. The first peach tree was planted in Florida, in the mid-1500s.
9. There are two basic types of peaches—freestone and clingstone. The flesh is much easier to remove from a freestone peach so they are the ones most often grown for fresh eating.
10. Peaches come in both white and yellow varieties. White peaches have slightly less acid so are a bit sweeter.

Peach Trees Are Easy to Grow

Peach trees are easy to grow if you have full sun and well-drained soil.  You can even try growing your own from a peach pit.  To make sure it’s a peach variety that does well in your area, I’d recommend getting peaches from a local Farmers Market.

Your Garden Questions Answered

Whether you have questions about peaches, bulbs, flowers, lawn care, shrubs, or anything and everything that grows, you’ll find answers – the correct answers – to your gardening questions at the Great Big Greenhouse and Nursery.

Remember, whatever your gardening questions, we’re here to help!

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