The peach is one of the fruit trees that have been cultivated for thousands of years. This is hardly surprising, because the juicy fruits are very sweet and also healthy. Hardly anyone knows that the peach also grows and bears fruit in the German climate. In this brief profile, we will introduce you to the peach tree.

The peach belongs to 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, because the fruit came to Central Europe from today's Iran. 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, however, the tree reaches heights of between one (dwarf peach) and eight meters. The white to pink flowers bloom very early in the year, sometimes bursting as early as March. However, most varieties do not flower until April. The apple-like fruits can be white to bright red and house a woody seed core inside the pulp. The actual seed is inside the woody shell and looks like 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 one another by the color of their flesh. There are white, yellow, red and red grained peaches. Special varieties are the plate or flat peaches and the nectarines. The latter are special, hairless breeds. However, not all varieties are equally suitable for cultivation in German gardens. Peaches grown here should be hardy and frost tolerant to some extent.

Cultivation of peaches in Germany

Peaches are mainly cultivated in the German wine-growing regions. In principle, peach trees can also tolerate very cold temperatures, the main problem being the late frosts that often occur. This causes the flowers to freeze and the harvest to fail. However, the flowers can be protected with the help of a fleece.

tips and tricks

Peaches are quite susceptible to fungal diseases. Careful selection of the right location and preventive spraying measures can help avoid an infestation.

Category:

Trees