Peach (Prunus persica)

Peaches are very popular fruit trees that can be grown successfully in many parts of California. They require adequate summer watering, deep and well-drained soils, high nitrogen fertility, fruit thinning, and pest control sprays to prevent peach leaf curl and brown rot.

Peach trees are short-lived trees (15-20 yr). Peaches (like nectarines) are self-fruitful (self-compatible), which means that they do not require a pollenizer tree. Plant trees 12×16 ft. to 18×18 ft. apart.

Calendar of Backyard Gardening Operations for Peaches

Winter Dormant Season

Spray trees with dormant oil to control San Jose scale.
Spray fixed copper to control peach leaf curl December 1 and February 1.
Prune out 50% of last year’s wood to thin the crop, insure good shoot growth and fruiting potential for future years.

Spring Bloom Season

Apply fungicide during bloom to prevent brown rot, which may require 1–3 sprays, depending on weather. Rainy periods require more spray.
Fertilize young trees monthly with high N fertilizer beginning April 1. Use 0.5 lb. urea or 25 lb. manure/appl/tree. Mature trees need 50% more. Water fertilizer in. If drip irrigated, do not exceed 1 oz. urea/emitter/mo.
Thin fruits to about 6" apart when marble-sized. Thinning reduces fruit numbers, but increases size, prevents limb breakage.

Summer Growing Season

Fertilize young trees monthly. Use 0.5 lb. urea or 25 lb. manure/tree/appl. Mature trees need 50% more. Water fertilizer in. If drip irrigated, do not exceed 1 oz. urea/emitter/mo.
Drip irrigate daily or sprinkler irrigate about every 3 weeks.
Maintain a weed free area around the base of the trees within 3' of the trunk with an organic mulch 3–4" deep.

Fall Harvest Season

Spray for shot hole fungus in November before first heavy rain; use fixed copper.
Fertilize and irrigate just after harvest.
At leaf fall, remove and destroy or compost leaves to prevent the spread of peach scab.
Remove mummies from tree.

Resources

Fresh Market Stone Fruit Links, UC Fruit and Nut RIC
[PDF] Peach Varieties for Planting in the Home Garden, Paul Vossen and Deborah Silver, Sonoma and Marin Co. UCCE
[PDF] Guidelines to Evaluate Peaches for Commercial Planting in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Dick Bethell, El Dorado Co. UCCE
[PDF] Harvest Time for Selected Fruit Cultivars in the Sacramento Valley Foothills, Paul Vossen and Deborah Silver, Sonoma and Marin Co. UCCE
How to Manage Pests in Gardens and Landscapes - Fruits and Nuts, UC IPM
[PDF] Peaches and Nectarines: Calendar of Operations for Home Gardeners, Pamela M. Geisel and Carolyn L. Unruh, Fresno County and Paul Vossen, Sonoma and Marin County