Many peach varieties, especially those with yellow flesh, are susceptible to curling disease, which endangers both the tree and the yield. However, the risk of infestation can be reduced if insensitive varieties are planted. The sweet Frenchman, peach Benedicte, is one of them.

Benedicte bears large, sweet fruits

Peach Benedicte originally comes from France, more precisely: from the Bouches-du-Rhône region. The department is located in south-eastern France, near the cities of Marseille and Arles. Benedicte develops very large, white-fleshed fruits with the typical red peach skin. The flesh comes off the stone very easily. This variety is one of the late-ripening ones, the peaches are ripe for consumption between the end of August and mid-September.

Vigorous and robust

Benedicte grows quite quickly and is up to four meters high, with the crown developing comparatively expansively. Therefore, when planting, it is important to ensure a sufficient distance to other plantings, buildings and neighboring properties. This variety is considered to be robust, especially against the curling disease that is widespread in peaches. The peach tree is also suitable for a harsher climate, as it is frost-resistant itself. However, the flowers are very sensitive to late frosts. Benedicte blooms between March and April with white to soft pink flowers. The variety is self-fertile.

Planting and caring for peach Benedicte

This peach variety needs a location that is protected from moisture, rain and cold. A (covered) corner of the garden is ideal if space permits. In terms of soil, Benedicte is quite undemanding, a loose and humus-rich garden soil is completely sufficient. If your garden contains rather heavy substrate, you can mix the excavation with peat and commercial humus soil and use this mixture as potting soil. In this case, the planting hole should be about twice as wide and just as deep - but do not plant the tree too deep.

Proper care of a peach tree

  • Peaches need regular pruning
  • this is particularly important for the vigorous Benedicte
  • best time is after harvest
  • Cover early flowers with fleece if there is a risk of night frost
  • fertilize about once a month
  • Treat leaf and flower buds with an anti-curl tonic prior to development

Use of the Peach Benedicte

This variety is ideal for fresh consumption, but also great for preserving or for various desserts such as peach cardinal - also a wonderful sweet treat from France.

tips and tricks

Although like all peach varieties, Benedicte is self-fertile, a second peach tree greatly improves the fruit yield. However, for two trees of this variety you would need a correspondingly large garden.

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Trees