peach

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A spreading, deciduous tree to 6m, with narrow, glossy, mid- to dark green leaves up to 15cm long. Bowl-shaped, pink or red flowers, 4cm across, are produced in spring, before the leaves, followed by spherical, downy, edible, red-blushed, yellow fruit. Many cultivated varieties of peach have been raised from this species. Whilst the fruits of the species are edible, it is more commonly used for ornamental purposes as the height would make harvesting difficult. The species is also used as rootstock for more commonly grown fruit cultivars

Scientific classification

Species: peach (Prunus persica)
Genus: Prunus
Family: Rosaceae

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Toxicity: Trees · Fruit Edible
Plant type: 4-8 metres
Height: 4-8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Information to be completed
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

peach pictures

Distribution of peach

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of peach

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peach care guide

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced shrub or tree feed once each early spring

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn; or by softwood cuttings, with bottom heat, in early summer. Peach cultivars are propagated by grafting

Growing

Grow in a moist, but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect flowers from frosts with horticultural fleece. Best grown fan-trained, although in the south of England can be grown free-standing bush. See How to grow: Peaches for further cultivation details

More growing and care information →

Common pests and diseases

Diseases

High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to bacterial canker, blossom wilt, brown rot, honey fungus, peach leaf curl and silver leaf.