Top 20 Peach Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Peaches are a beloved summer fruit known for their sweet, juicy flesh and fragrant aroma. Whether eaten fresh, baked into pies, or canned for later, growing your own peaches can provide a bountiful harvest. Selecting the right variety for your climate and taste preferences is essential for a successful crop. This guide will explore the top 20 peach varieties to grow, along with tips on how to cultivate healthy, productive peach trees.

1. Redhaven

Redhaven is one of the most popular peach varieties, known for its sweet, yellow flesh and red-blushed skin. It’s perfect for fresh eating, canning, and freezing.

Tip: Plant Redhaven in full sun with well-drained soil. Prune annually to encourage airflow and improve fruit quality.

2. Elberta

Elberta peaches are large, freestone fruits with sweet, firm yellow flesh and a reddish-yellow skin. They are excellent for fresh eating, pies, and canning.

Tip: Elberta peaches thrive in warm climates and need regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

3. Cresthaven

Cresthaven is a late-season variety known for its large, yellow-fleshed fruit that resists bruising. It’s ideal for fresh eating and preserving.

Tip: Cresthaven peaches require full sun and well-drained soil. Prune after harvest to remove old wood and encourage new growth.

4. White Lady

White Lady is a white-fleshed, freestone peach variety with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating and adding to fruit salads.

Tip: Plant White Lady in full sun and water consistently during the growing season. Thin the fruit early to improve size and flavor.

5. Belle of Georgia

Belle of Georgia peaches are known for their large, white-fleshed fruit with a sweet, juicy flavor. They are perfect for fresh eating, canning, and making desserts.

Tip: Belle of Georgia trees need full sun and regular watering. Mulch around the base to keep the roots cool and moist.

6. July Prince

July Prince is a yellow-fleshed peach variety known for its large, juicy fruit and excellent flavor. It’s great for fresh eating and preserves.

Tip: Plant July Prince in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the fruit juicy and sweet.

7. Autumn Flame

Autumn Flame is a late-ripening variety with firm, yellow flesh and sweet, juicy flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating, canning, and freezing.

Tip: Autumn Flame peaches require regular pruning to maintain size and promote airflow. Water consistently, especially during fruit development.

8. Donut (Saturn)

Donut peaches, also known as Saturn peaches, are a unique flat-shaped variety with sweet, white flesh. They’re ideal for fresh eating and baking.

Tip: Plant Donut peaches in full sun and provide regular watering during the growing season. Prune annually to maintain size.

9. O’Henry

O’Henry peaches are large, yellow-fleshed fruits with a firm texture and sweet flavor. They’re excellent for fresh eating and canning.

Tip: O’Henry peaches thrive in full sun and need regular watering during fruit development. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

10. Harvester

Harvester peaches are a reliable, early-season variety with yellow flesh and a sweet, juicy flavor. They’re great for fresh eating and preserving.

Tip: Plant Harvester in well-drained soil and full sun. Regular pruning and thinning improve fruit size and flavor.

11. Fay Elberta

Fay Elberta is a freestone peach variety with large, juicy, yellow flesh and red-blushed skin. It’s perfect for fresh eating, baking, and canning.

Tip: Fay Elberta peaches need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Thin the fruit early in the season for larger peaches.

12. Indian Blood

Indian Blood peaches are a unique heirloom variety with red flesh and a sweet, tart flavor. They’re excellent for making jams, preserves, and pies.

Tip: Plant Indian Blood in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the fruit juicy and flavorful.

13. Glowing Star

Glowing Star peaches have firm, yellow flesh with a sweet flavor and red-blushed skin. They’re perfect for fresh eating, baking, and canning.

Tip: Glowing Star peaches thrive in full sun and need regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

14. Reliance

Reliance is a cold-hardy peach variety with sweet, yellow flesh and a medium size. It’s ideal for colder climates and great for fresh eating.

Tip: Reliance peaches need full sun and regular watering. Prune annually to maintain tree shape and encourage healthy fruiting.

15. Arctic Supreme

Arctic Supreme is a white-fleshed peach variety with a sweet, aromatic flavor. It’s excellent for fresh eating, desserts, and preserves.

Tip: Plant Arctic Supreme in full sun and water deeply once a week during the growing season. Regular pruning helps improve airflow and fruit quality.

16. Loring

Loring peaches are large, yellow-fleshed fruits with a sweet, juicy flavor. They’re ideal for fresh eating and canning.

Tip: Loring peaches need full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the fruit juicy and plump.

17. Babcock

Babcock is a white-fleshed peach variety with small to medium-sized fruit and a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating and making desserts.

Tip: Babcock peaches thrive in full sun and need consistent watering. Mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

18. Early Amber

Early Amber is an early-ripening peach variety with sweet, yellow flesh and a medium size. It’s great for fresh eating and making preserves.

Tip: Plant Early Amber in full sun and water consistently during the growing season. Thin the fruit early to encourage better size and flavor.

19. Halehaven

Halehaven is a classic freestone peach variety with large, juicy, yellow flesh. It’s perfect for fresh eating, canning, and freezing.

Tip: Halehaven peaches need full sun and regular watering. Prune annually to maintain tree shape and improve fruit quality.

20. Tropic Beauty

Tropic Beauty is a heat-tolerant peach variety with sweet, yellow flesh. It’s ideal for warm climates and great for fresh eating or making desserts.

Tip: Tropic Beauty peaches need full sun and consistent watering. Mulch to retain moisture and protect the roots from extreme heat.

Tips for Growing Peaches Successfully

1. Full sun for best fruiting: Peach trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce sweet, flavorful fruit. Choose a sunny location for your tree.
2. Well-drained soil: Peaches prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Avoid planting in waterlogged areas to prevent root rot.
3. Water consistently: Water peach trees regularly, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once a week, more frequently in hot or dry weather.
4. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
5. Fertilize in spring: Use a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring to encourage strong growth and fruiting. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit.
6. Prune annually: Prune peach trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and improve air circulation. This encourages new growth and larger fruit.
7. Thin the fruit: For larger, sweeter peaches, thin the young fruit when it reaches the size of a marble. This allows the tree to focus its energy on fewer, higher-quality fruits.
8. Pest control: Watch out for pests like aphids, scale insects, and peach leaf curl. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary to protect your trees.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for a peach tree to bear fruit?
Peach trees typically begin producing fruit 3 to 4 years after planting, with full yields around the 5th or 6th year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant peach trees?
The best time to plant peach trees is in early spring or late fall, while the tree is dormant. This gives the roots time to establish before the growing season.

Q3: How often should I water peach trees?
Water peach trees deeply once a week, more frequently during hot or dry weather, especially while the fruit is developing.

Q4: Can peach trees be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or compact peach varieties can be grown in large containers. Ensure the container has good drainage and water regularly.

Q5: How do I protect peach trees from pests?
Use organic or chemical treatments to control common pests like aphids, mites, and peach leaf curl. Regular pruning helps improve air circulation and reduce the risk of pest infestations.