Vineyard peaches, often referred to as "blood peaches" because of their striking red fruit, have been cultivated since the 16th century, primarily on the steep slopes of the Lower Moselle region, but also in other wine-growing regions.

The rediscovery of the vineyard peach

The small-fruited vineyard peaches have been part of the landscape of many German wine-growing regions for centuries. In addition to the blood peaches, which are characterized by a red skin and red flesh, there are also white and red-fibered varieties. However, the cultivation of these specialized peach varieties declined sharply around the middle of the 20th century, but has been revived in recent years for reasons of landscape conservation.

Vineyard peaches need a lot of warmth

Through centuries of breeding, the native vineyard peaches such as B. the red vineyard peach adapted to the typical climatic conditions of the wine-growing regions. For this reason, such a peach will only thrive in a wine-growing region. vineyard peaches

  • need a lot of sun
  • are extremely warm
  • and need a sheltered location.

The flowers of this type of peach appear very early: the bright pink to dark pink flowers open as early as mid-March. At the same time, they are very sensitive to frost and freeze to death during night frosts. In contrast to the early start of flowering, the fruits ripen very late: Vineyard peaches are usually ready for consumption in September at the earliest - some varieties even later. This is why this peach does not ripen in more northern locations.

Vigorous, relatively small tree

Vineyard peach trees are strong, but do not grow very tall. In return, they develop very fine branching and a large number of flowers and thus fruits. The peach is self-fertile. Depending on the variety, the small to medium-sized fruits are green to bright red when ripe. Their shell is very firm and covered with dense hairs. The flesh is also firm. The peaches are aromatic, but significantly less sweet than other peaches are known to be. Vineyard peaches are suitable for fresh consumption (remove the peel first!), but above all for the preparation of compote, jam, fruit brandy or liqueur.

Vineyard peach needs light soil

This peach variety only thrives on light, loose soil. Loess soils or sandy soils infused with humus are perfect for cultivation. Heavy, loamy soils are less suitable. Vineyard peaches have a very high nutrient requirement, especially nitrogen. Only annual grafts are planted, as older young trees do not sprout sufficiently or develop roots.

tips and tricks

Just before the peach harvest, you should let the tree “thirst”, i. H. reduce watering. Too much water at this point will dilute the fruit and thus its flavor.

Category:

Trees