The peach tree, Latin "Prunus perica", originally comes from southern China and is therefore used to warmth and lots of sun. However, some peaches have been grown here for centuries, so these varieties are used to the German climate. Many new breeds are also very robust.
It depends on the situation
In the wine-growing regions, especially on the lower Moselle, it has been a tradition since the 16th century to grow what are known as vineyard peaches. But other peach varieties have also been thriving in the German regions for a very long time. These include the foothill peach (also called Roter Ellerstädter or Kernechter vom Vorgebirge) or the Anneliese Rudolph variety, which has meanwhile become quite rare. But the same applies to these peaches: it depends on the location.
The right location for a peach
In principle, you can also keep peaches in a bucket, which is particularly recommended for young trees due to their sensitivity. However, these trees (often also shrubs) become very tall and also grow very quickly, which is why it is necessary to plant them out in the garden at some point. A peach feels particularly at home in a cookie like this:
- a lot of sun
- Location if possible in southern orientation
- protected from wind and rain
- i.e. H. Space in front of a house or gable wall
- observe the planting distance of 4.50 meters
Ensure the right soil quality
Peaches also need loose, humus-rich soil. Heavy, loamy and wet soils are not suitable. If your soil does not have the required quality, you can also dig a larger hole and fill it with appropriately mixed substrate. Another option is to graft a peach onto a plum rootstock. Since peaches have a high nutrient requirement, they must be fertilized regularly - nitrogen is particularly important, but not too much. Excess can weaken the tree and lead to disease.
Is the peach tree hardy?
There is no general answer to this question, since the sensitivity to frost varies from variety to variety. However, older peach trees in particular are quite insensitive and can be covered with fleece or sacking in very cold temperatures and thus protected. Varieties suitable for cultivation in the German climate are:
- Amsterdam
- benedict
- Revita
- foothill peach
- Suncrest
- Formerly Alexander
Some varieties also tolerate a harsher climate outside of the wine-growing regions, but by no means all. The white-fleshed peaches in particular are quite robust.
tips and tricks
Try a dwarf peach such as B. to cultivate bonanza in a pot. This fits easily on the balcony and terrace.