Peach

New Zealand’s Best Peach Trees

Growing Peaches in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Reduced food waste
• Lower grocery costs
• Fewer food miles and less plastic packaging, decreasing your carbon footprint
• Convenience
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

From large Peach trees to small ones, we’ll help you find the right sized tree for your space. Our fruit trees have been selected to thrive in New Zealand’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Peach trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Peaches

1. What month is best to plant peach trees?

The best time to plant peach trees is in late winter or early spring. This is when the trees are dormant and the ground is cool and moist. Planting in the spring allows the trees to establish their root systems before the hot summer weather arrives.

2. What is the best peach tree to buy?

The best peach tree to buy in New Zealand depends on your climate, personal preferences, and desired ripening time. Here are some popular and highly rated peach tree varieties well-suited for New Zealand's growing conditions:

1. Redhaven: This classic freestone peach is known for its sweet, juicy flesh and its ability to thrive in a variety of climates. It is a good choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Redhaven peaches ripen in mid-summer and are perfect for eating fresh or using in pies and preserves.
2. Elberta: This freestone peach is another popular choice for New Zealand growers. It is known for its large, flavorful fruit and its long ripening season. Elberta peaches ripen in late summer and are excellent for canning and preserving.
3. J.H. Hale: This newer freestone peach variety produces large, flavorful fruit that is perfect for baking or canning. J.H. Hale peaches ripen in mid-summer and are a good choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
4. Glo Haven: This hardy peach tree is a great option for those who live in areas with cold winters. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for cooler regions in New Zealand. Glo Haven peaches ripen in mid-summer and are sweet and juicy.
5. Snowbrite: This white-fleshed peach tree produces large, sweet, and juicy fruit. Snowbrite peaches ripen in mid-summer and are perfect for eating fresh or using in pies and preserves.
6. Scarlet O'Hara: This peach tree produces beautiful white-fleshed peaches that are perfect for eating fresh. Scarlet O'Hara peaches ripen in mid-summer and are a good choice for home gardeners who want a unique variety.
7. Bonanza: This dwarf peach tree is perfect for containers or small gardens. It produces large, yellow peaches that are sweet and juicy. Bonanza peaches ripen in mid-summer and are a great choice for home gardeners with limited space.
8. Honey Babe: This peach tree is another good choice for home gardeners. It produces large, yellow peaches that are sweet and tart, making them ideal for pies and cobblers. Honey Babe peaches ripen in mid-summer and are a versatile option for baking and fresh eating.
9. Blackboy: This peach tree produces dark-skinned peaches that are sweet and juicy. Blackboy peaches ripen in late summer and are a good choice for those who want a unique variety with a distinctive color.
10. Camden: This heritage peach tree is a reliable producer with disease resistance. It produces medium-sized yellow peaches with a rich flavor and is suitable for most regions in New Zealand. Camden peaches ripen in December and are excellent for bottling or fresh eating.

Remember to consider your specific location, climate, and preferences when choosing a peach tree variety. Consult with The Plant Company for any advice needed.

3. When to buy fruit trees NZ?

The best time to buy fruit trees in New Zealand is during the bare root season, which typically runs from late winter to early spring (July to September). This is because bare root trees are dormant, meaning they are not actively growing and their leaves have fallen off. This makes it easier to transport and plant them without damaging their roots.

4. Can you grow peaches in Auckland?

Yes, you can grow peaches in Auckland. Auckland's climate is generally well-suited for peach cultivation, with warm summers and mild winters. The region's abundant sunshine and fertile soils also contribute to favorable growing conditions for peaches.

Here are some specific peach varieties that thrive in Auckland's climate:

1. Redhaven: This popular freestone peach is known for its sweet, juicy flesh and its ability to thrive in a variety of climates, including Auckland's. Redhaven peaches ripen in mid-summer and are perfect for eating fresh or using in pies and preserves.
2. J.H. Hale: This newer freestone peach variety produces large, flavorful fruit that is perfect for baking or canning. J.H. Hale peaches ripen in mid-summer and are a good choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
3. Glo Haven: This hardy peach tree is a great option for those who live in areas with cold winters, including Auckland's occasional frosts. Glo Haven peaches ripen in mid-summer and are sweet and juicy.
4. Snowbrite: This white-fleshed peach tree produces large, sweet, and juicy fruit. Snowbrite peaches ripen in mid-summer and are perfect for eating fresh or using in pies and preserves.
5. Bonanza: This dwarf peach tree is perfect for containers or small gardens. It produces large, yellow peaches that are sweet and juicy. Bonanza peaches ripen in mid-summer and are a great choice for home gardeners with limited space.

5. Where is the best place to plant a peach tree?

When selecting a location to plant a peach tree, consider the following factors:

• Sunlight: Peach trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Choose a planting site that receives full sun from morning to afternoon.
• Soil drainage: Peach trees prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Avoid planting in areas with heavy clay soil or where water tends to pool.
• Air circulation: Good air circulation is essential for preventing fungal diseases. Plant peach trees in a location with ample space around them, avoiding planting too close to buildings or other trees.
• Proximity to other fruit trees: Peach trees need to be cross-pollinated with a different variety to produce fruit. Plant two or more peach trees of different varieties that bloom at the same time to ensure pollination.
• Distance from power lines and underground utilities: Before digging the planting hole, check for underground utilities or buried cables to avoid damaging them.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a planting location for your peach tree:

• Consider the mature size of the tree: Peach trees can grow to be 3-4 m tall and wide. Choose a planting site that has enough space to accommodate the tree's mature size.
• Avoid planting in areas prone to late frost: Peach flowers and fruit are sensitive to frost and may be damaged or killed if temperatures drop below freezing.
• Protect peach trees from strong winds: Strong winds can damage peach trees, especially young trees. If you live in an area with windy conditions, consider shelter and staking your trees.
• Choose a planting site that is accessible for maintenance: You will need to water, prune, and fertilize your peach tree regularly. Choose a planting site that is easily accessible so that you can perform these tasks easily.

With proper care and attention, your peach tree will provide you with years of delicious fruit.

6. How do you look after a peach tree NZ?

Caring for a peach tree involves providing it with the necessary conditions to thrive and produce an abundance of delicious fruit. Here's a guide to peach tree care:

1. Planting:
   • Plant bare-root peach trees in late winter or early spring, when the soil is cool and moist. Container-grown trees can be planted throughout the year, except for extreme hot periods.
   • Choose a location with full sun, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5, and good air circulation. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging.
   • Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and slightly deeper. Gently loosen the roots of the tree and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
2. Watering:
   • Provide regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
   • Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid shallow watering, which can lead to surface roots and make the tree more susceptible to drought stress.
3. Fertiliser:
   • Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer in spring and summer to support healthy growth and fruit production.
4. Pruning:
   • Prune peach trees annually in late winter or early spring to maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage new growth.
5. Pest and Disease Control:
   • Monitor your peach trees regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Common pests include aphids and peach leaf curl.
6. Harvesting:
   • Peaches typically ripen in mid-summer to late summer, depending on the variety. Harvest peaches when they are soft to the touch and have a yellow or red colour.
   • Use a gentle hand to harvest peaches, twisting them slightly to remove them from the branch. Avoid pulling or tugging on the fruit, as this can damage the tree.

With proper care and attention, your peach tree will thrive in New Zealand's climate and provide you with an abundance of delicious, homegrown fruit for years to come.