Babcock Peach Tree
from $55.00
Babcock Peach Tree Information and Care
The Babcock Peach tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is a deciduous tree, meaning it sheds its leaves in the fall and enters dormancy during winter. During this time, refrain from irrigating. Begin deep watering in spring as the tree awakens from dormancy, and increase the frequency during the hot summer months to support fruit development.
Use organic fruit tree fertilizers to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit. Apply blossom and fruit fertilizer in the winter to encourage a bountiful bloom in spring. You may also apply manure in cool temperatures to enrich the soil. During the growing season in spring and summer, use an organic nitrogen-based fertilizer to support vigorous growth. Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as this is when the tree begins to reduce growth and prepare for dormancy.
Pruning is an essential aspect of Babcock Peach tree care. In winter, prune to manage the size and shape of the tree, ensuring good air circulation and sunlight penetration. In summer, thin out excess fruits and spurs to prevent energy waste, which can result in smaller, lower-quality peaches.
Harvesting: Babcock peaches are typically harvested in mid to late summer, depending on the climate. They should be picked when they are firm but yielding slightly to pressure. Peaches will continue to ripen after being picked.
Pollination: Babcock Peach trees are self-pollinating, meaning they do not require another tree for cross-pollination. However, having more than one peach tree can increase overall fruit production.
Chill Hours: Babcock peaches require about 250-300 chill hours (hours below 45°F) during winter to ensure proper fruit set. This makes them suitable for regions with mild winters.
Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common peach tree pests like aphids, peach tree borers, and fungal issues such as peach leaf curl. Applying organic pest control methods and ensuring proper pruning will help keep the tree healthy.
Bonita Peach Tree
from $129.00
The Bonita Peach tree is a woody, deciduous tree with long green leaves. It is easy to grow and available in Dwarf, Semi-Dwarf, and Standard forms, making it suitable for different garden sizes.
Sun Exposure and Size
Sunlight: Plant the peach tree in full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.
Size: The tree can grow between 15 to 20 feet tall but can be pruned to stay between 8 to 15 feet tall. If you prefer a wider tree, allow for more space when planting.
Spacing: When planting multiple trees, space them 8-10 feet apart. Provide more space if you want the tree to grow wider.
Watering Instructions
Spring: Water new trees regularly, about 1-2 times per week during the spring growing season.
Summer: Increase watering to 2-3 times per week during the hot summer months.
Fall: As the weather cools, reduce irrigation to once per week.
Winter Dormancy: Discontinue watering entirely during the winter when the tree is dormant.
Fertilization
Spring Fertilization: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer with a 1-1-1 or 2-1-1 NPK ratio (e.g., 5-5-5 or 6-3-3) in the spring to promote growth.
Summer Fertilization: Reapply a growth formula fertilizer during the summer.
Fall Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing in the fall to prevent weak growth. Instead, use a fertilizer with low nitrogen and higher phosphorus and potassium (e.g., 4-12-12 NPK ratio) to strengthen the tree for the next growing season.
Additional Fertilization: In cooler climates, manure can be applied in winter for added nutrients.
Pruning
Winter Pruning: Prune the tree in winter while dormant. Cut the tip to prevent it from growing too tall and remove side branches that are crossing inward.
Summer Thinning: Thin the tree during the summer to remove dry twigs, water sprouts, and excess fruits. This directs energy toward fruit production and overall tree health.
Pest Management
Winter Pest Control: Use dormant fruit tree spray or horticultural oil in the winter to manage pests.
Animal Protection: Use an animal repellant and cover the tree with netting to protect the fruit during harvest season.
Long Beach Peach Tree
from $95.00
Long Beach Peach Tree Information and Care
The Long Beach Peach Tree is a deciduous fruit tree that sheds its leaves during the winter months and begins a fresh growth cycle in the spring. As spring arrives, the tree produces vibrant pink blossoms that add a beautiful, ornamental touch to the landscape. These blossoms eventually give way to an abundance of medium to large peaches by mid to late summer, offering a delicious harvest. The fruit is typically juicy with a sweet-tart flavor, making it ideal for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.
Tree Size and Growth
This peach tree can be managed at a compact size, ideal for smaller spaces or home orchards. With regular pruning, it can be kept under 10 feet tall and wide, which also makes it easier to care for and harvest. However, if left unpruned, the tree can grow larger, reaching up to 15 feet in height and spread. For optimal fruit production and ease of care, it’s recommended to maintain a manageable size through regular pruning.
Watering and Irrigation
As with most peach trees, the Long Beach Peach Tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Here's how to care for your tree based on seasonal needs:
Spring: As the tree begins to leaf out in the spring, start a consistent watering schedule. Water young trees weekly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Summer: During the hot summer months, especially in Mediterranean climates, increase the frequency of watering to 2-3 times a week. It’s essential to water deeply, allowing the moisture to penetrate the soil and reach the entire root system. Shallow watering can cause roots to remain near the surface, making the tree more susceptible to drought stress.
Soil Considerations: The amount and frequency of watering depend on your soil type. In loamy or clay soils common in Mediterranean climates, ensure that the water drains well. If the soil is sandy or well-draining, you may need to water more frequently. Adding a layer of mulch around the tree’s base can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, promoting healthy root growth.
Soil and Fertilization
The Long Beach Peach Tree thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). It’s important to prepare the soil properly before planting by amending it with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. This helps improve soil structure and ensures that the tree's roots receive the nutrients they need.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, just as the tree begins to leaf out, to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar works well. Reapply fertilizer in mid-summer if needed, but avoid fertilizing late in the season to prevent excessive new growth that could be damaged by cold weather.
Pruning and Maintenance
To maintain the health and productivity of the Long Beach Peach Tree, pruning is essential. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. This also helps prevent diseases like peach leaf curl and fungal infections.
Pruning also allows you to shape the tree, controlling its height and width. For ease of harvesting and to encourage more fruit production, consider maintaining an open-center or vase shape, which allows sunlight to reach the inner branches.
Pest and Disease Management
While peach trees are generally hardy, they can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, peach tree borers, and scale insects. Regularly inspect your tree for signs of infestation and use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed to control pests.
Diseases such as peach leaf curl, brown rot, and powdery mildew can affect peach trees, particularly in humid or wet climates. To prevent fungal issues, prune the tree to improve airflow and avoid overhead watering. Applying a copper-based fungicide in early spring before bud break can also help prevent peach leaf curl.
Harvesting
Peaches from the Long Beach Peach Tree are typically ready to harvest by mid to late summer, depending on the local climate and growing conditions. The fruit is ready to pick when it is firm but slightly soft to the touch and develops a rich color. Harvest peaches gently to avoid bruising and enjoy them fresh or in your favorite recipes. Peaches can also be canned, frozen, or dried for later use.
Red Baron Peach Tree
$129.00
Flowering/fruiting. Large, juicy, firm, richly flavored yellow freestone fruit. Highly rated in taste tests. Showy double red blossoms. Long-time favorite in Southern California and Texas.
Santa Barbara Peach Tree
from $55.00
Santa Barbara Peach Tree Information and Care
The Santa Barbara Peach tree is beautiful, easy to grow, and great for home orchards. Finding the proper location, appropriate spacing, and sun exposure will ensure healthy growth and lots of fruit.
Locations
First of all, you want to plant your tree in the full sun and in well draining soils. The Santa Barbara Peach is a Winter deciduous tree, therefore it will shed all of its leaves annually. Due to there being no leaves, no supplemental water is needed during this time. Begin watering your trees once they leaf out in the Spring.
Spacing
Keep the Santa Barbara Peach tree relatively small by regularly pruning in the Winter. You may prune the tree to keep it about 10 feet tall and wide, but it will grow larger if allowed. Space trees a minimum of 10 feet apart in a home orchard setting for high-density planting.
Peach Tree Fertilizer
Use organic fruit tree fertilizers. Apply blossom fertilizer and fruit fertilizer in the Winter to increase Spring blossoms. Also, provide manure while the temperature is cool in the Winter or early Spring. Fruit tree growth fertilizer with organic nitrogen is great for the Spring and Summer growing season. Finally, do not fertilize in the Fall when trees are reducing in growth.
Pruning
Prune trees in the Winter to manage their size and shape. Summer thinning of fruits and spurs should be done to prevent waste of energy and smaller fruits.
Plant Description
Size & Spacing
Planting
Sunlight
Watering
Fertilizing
Pruning
Pests
Peach Trees For Sale
Peach trees are deciduous is the winter. Leaf out and produce Pink Spring Blossom. Peaches are ripe and ready for Summer harvest. Peaches are very popular because of the their juicy flesh that is healthy, sweet, and delicious. Plant in the full sun and grow peach trees in your own backyard. Also, plant in well draining soils. Water newly planted trees once a week in the Spring then twice in the Summer. Reduce water in the Fall as the tree loses leaves. Little to no water is needed in the Winter. Trees grow fast. Grow tall to provide shade or prune short for easy picking. Prune in the winter while trees are dormant. Fertilize with fruit tree food. Provide a balanced fertilizer in the Spring and low nitrogen high phosphorus and potassium in the winter. Use organic fungicides such as Liquicop to prevent common fungus such as peach leaf curl.
When planting fruit trees, spacing is crucial for their healthy growth and optimal fruit production. Here's a brief instruction on size and spacing:
Spacing Between Trees:
Spacing Between Trees:
- Standard-sized fruit trees typically require spacing of 20 to 25 feet between each tree.
- Semi-dwarf varieties may need spacing of 15 to 20 feet, while dwarf fruit trees can be spaced closer, around 10 to 15 feet apart.
- If planting multiple rows of fruit trees, maintain spacing between rows to allow for adequate sunlight penetration and airflow.
- Rows should typically be spaced 25 to 30 feet apart for standard-sized trees, and 15 to 20 feet apart for semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties.
- Consider the mature height and spread of the fruit trees when determining spacing.
- Ensure enough space between trees and other structures to accommodate their growth without crowding.
- Plant fruit trees in rows with the north to south orientation to maximize sunlight exposure on both sides of the trees.
- Avoid planting fruit trees too close to buildings, fences, or other structures, as their roots may cause damage over time.
- Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Plant fruit trees at the same depth as they were in the nursery container, ensuring that the graft union (if present) is above the soil level.
Step One:
Soil and Planting: Plant in soil that drains well. Dig a hole that is as deep as the tree’s roots and at least twice as wide.
Step Two:
Place the tree in the hole and backfill around the plant’s roots with a mixture of the native soil and high-quality planting mix that has washed sand and organic fertilizer.
Step Three:
Create a basin around the roots drip zone so that water collects. Water deeply until the roots and nearby soil is saturated and reaches field capacity.
Understanding sunlight requirements is crucial for the successful growth and fruit production of fruit trees. Here's a brief instruction on sunlight requirements:
Full Sun Exposure:
Full Sun Exposure:
- Most fruit trees thrive in full sun, which typically means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Choose a planting location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day, preferably in a spot with southern or western exposure.
- Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy to fuel growth and fruit production.
- Adequate sunlight promotes healthy leaf development, flowering, and fruit ripening in fruit trees.
- Avoid planting fruit trees in areas with excessive shade from buildings, tall trees, or other structures, as this can inhibit growth and reduce fruit production.
- Trees planted in shaded areas may produce fewer fruits, have slower growth rates, and be more susceptible to diseases and pests.
- Ensure that fruit trees are spaced appropriately to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the tree, including the canopy, branches, and fruiting spurs.
- Prune surrounding trees or shrubs that may shade fruit trees and obstruct sunlight.
- Monitor changes in sunlight exposure throughout the year, as seasonal variations in sun angle and tree foliage can affect light availability.
- Adjust planting locations or prune surrounding vegetation as needed to maintain optimal sunlight exposure for fruit trees.
Instructions on watering fruit trees:
Establishment Period:
Establishment Period:
- During the first year after planting, fruit trees require regular watering to establish strong root systems.
- Water newly planted fruit trees deeply and frequently, providing enough moisture to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- In general, fruit trees should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on soil type, weather conditions, and tree species.
- Adjust the frequency of watering based on rainfall, temperature, and soil moisture levels to prevent both under-watering and over-watering.
- Water fruit trees deeply to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
- Apply water slowly and evenly to ensure that it penetrates the soil to a depth of at least 12 to 18 inches.
- Use drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or watering bags to deliver water directly to the root zone of fruit trees, minimizing water loss through evaporation and runoff.
- Avoid overhead watering, as it can promote fungal diseases and waste water by spraying foliage instead of reaching the root system.
- Water fruit trees in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce water loss through evaporation and minimize stress on the trees during the hottest part of the day.
- Avoid watering fruit trees during windy or extremely hot conditions, as water may evaporate quickly before it can be absorbed by the roots.
- Monitor soil moisture regularly by checking soil moisture levels with a moisture meter or by conducting a simple soil moisture test using your finger.
- Adjust watering practices based on soil moisture levels and weather conditions to ensure that fruit trees receive adequate moisture throughout the growing season.
- During periods of drought or prolonged dry spells, increase the frequency and duration of watering to prevent drought stress and maintain tree health.
- Consider applying a layer of mulch around the base of fruit trees to conserve soil moisture and reduce water loss through evaporation.
Instructions on fertilizing fruit trees:
Timing of Fertilization:
Timing of Fertilization:
- Fertilize fruit trees in early spring, just before new growth begins, to provide essential nutrients for the upcoming growing season.
- Avoid fertilizing fruit trees late in the growing season, as it may stimulate late-season growth that is susceptible to winter damage.
- Choose a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for fruit trees, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer.
- Consider using organic fertilizers, such as compost, aged manure, or organic fertilizer blends, to promote soil health and reduce the risk of chemical buildup.
- Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the fruit tree, extending beyond the drip line of the branches.
- Avoid placing fertilizer directly against the trunk of the tree, as it may cause root burn or damage to the tree.
- Follow the recommended application rates provided on the fertilizer label or based on the specific needs of the fruit tree species and soil conditions.
- Use caution not to over-fertilize fruit trees, as excessive nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
- Water the fruit tree thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help dissolve and distribute the nutrients into the soil.
- Adequate moisture is essential to ensure that the roots can absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer effectively.
- For established fruit trees, fertilize once a year in early spring, unless soil tests indicate a specific nutrient deficiency that requires additional fertilization.
- Young or newly planted fruit trees may benefit from lighter, more frequent applications of fertilizer during the first few years to support growth and establishment.
- Periodically conduct soil tests to assess nutrient levels and pH balance, as well as to determine the specific fertilizer needs of fruit trees.
- Adjust fertilization practices based on soil test results to ensure that fruit trees receive the appropriate nutrients for optimal growth and fruit production.
Instructions on pruning fruit trees:
Timing of Pruning:
Timing of Pruning:
- Prune fruit trees during the dormant season, typically in late winter to early spring before new growth begins.
- Avoid pruning fruit trees during periods of active growth or in late fall, as it may stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to winter damage.
- Use sharp, clean pruning tools, such as hand pruners, loppers, and pruning saws, to make clean cuts and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
- Disinfect pruning tools between each tree to prevent the spread of pathogens.
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to improve the overall health and appearance of the fruit tree.
- Thin out crowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration within the canopy.
- Shape the tree to promote an open, well-structured canopy that allows for even fruit production and easy harvesting.
- Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or broken branches, making clean cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk).
- Thin out excessive growth by selectively removing crowded or crossing branches to allow for better light and air distribution.
- Use heading cuts to prune back overly vigorous branches to encourage branching and promote fruiting wood formation.
- Consider the fruiting habit of the tree species when pruning, as some fruit trees produce fruit on spurs (short, stubby branches) while others bear fruit on new growth.
- Train young fruit trees by selectively pruning to establish a strong, well-balanced framework of scaffold branches.
- Encourage outward growth by pruning back inward-growing branches and removing competing leaders to maintain a central leader or open-center shape.
- Different fruit tree species may have specific pruning requirements based on their growth habits, fruiting patterns, and desired form.
- Research the specific pruning needs of the fruit tree species you are growing and tailor your pruning practices accordingly.
- Monitor the fruit tree throughout the growing season for any additional pruning needs, such as removing water sprouts or suckers that may develop.
- Regularly inspect the tree for signs of pests, diseases, or other issues that may require pruning intervention.
Instructions on pest management for fruit trees:
- Monitor for Pests:
- Regularly inspect fruit trees for signs of pest infestation, such as chewed leaves, distorted growth, or the presence of insects or larvae.
- Keep an eye out for common fruit tree pests, including aphids, scale insects, mites, caterpillars, and fruit flies.
- Cultural Practices:
- Maintain good cultural practices, such as proper pruning, watering, and fertilizing, to promote healthy, resilient fruit trees that are better able to withstand pest attacks.
- Remove and destroy any fallen fruit, leaves, or other plant debris that may harbor pests or disease pathogens.
- Natural Predators:
- Encourage natural predators of pests, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps, by providing habitat and avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides that may harm beneficial insects.
- Plant flowering plants nearby to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help control pest populations.
- Physical Barriers:
- Install physical barriers, such as tree wraps or trunk guards, to protect fruit trees from crawling pests like ants and rodents.
- Use floating row covers or netting to exclude flying insects, birds, and other pests from accessing fruit trees.
- Biological Control:
- Consider using biological control methods, such as releasing beneficial nematodes or predatory insects, to target specific pests while minimizing harm to non-target organisms.
- Introduce parasitic wasps, predatory mites, or other natural enemies of pest insects to help control populations without the need for chemical pesticides.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
- Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that combines multiple pest control strategies, including cultural, biological, physical, and chemical methods, to effectively manage pest populations while minimizing environmental impact.
- Monitor pest populations regularly and use thresholds to determine when intervention is necessary, prioritizing the use of non-chemical control methods whenever possible.
- Selective Pesticide Use:
- Use chemical pesticides as a last resort and only when non-chemical methods have proven ineffective or when pest populations exceed acceptable thresholds.
- Selectively choose pesticides that are least harmful to beneficial insects, pollinators, and the environment, and follow label instructions carefully to minimize risks to human health and the ecosystem.
