Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Peaches (Prunus persica) require full sun, excellent air drainage on a slight slope to prevent frost pocket damage to early blossoms, and deeply worked, fertile soil at pH 6.0–6.8. Most varieties need 400–1,000 chill hours (temperatures 0–7°C) to break dormancy; selecting a cultivar matched to your local chill hours is the single most important decision. Plant bare-root trees in late winter while dormant, setting the bud union 5 cm above the soil line. Space trees 4–5 m apart. The classic open-center (vase) training system is essential for peaches — a central leader traps humid air and disease pressure. Establish three or four scaffold branches in the first summer by heading back the main stem to 60 cm at planting and selecting well-spaced, outward-growing laterals. Water regularly during the growing season, particularly as fruits swell — irregular watering at this stage causes split pits and reduced fruit size. Thin fruit aggressively to 15–20 cm spacing when fruitlets are 2–3 cm in diameter.