“Mature ~20-year-old tree, declining. Pre-existing — kept for observation.”
Background
A low-chill yellow freestone peach that has long been a favorite in Southern California and Texas. It scored highly in a 1995 Dave Wilson Nursery fruit tasting. Sold through Dave Wilson's wholesale program to retail nurseries. The UA arboretum traces peach origins to China by around 2000 BCE, spreading westward via the Greeks and Romans.
Distinguishing traits
Spectacular double red, carnation-like spring blossoms make it a top ornamental peach. Large, firm, juicy yellow freestone fruit with a balanced sweet-tart flavor; harvests mid-July in central California. The UA arboretum describes peach as a medium-sized, fast-growing tree with lance-shaped leaves and light pink five-petaled flowers.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- 250-300 hours
- Cold hardiness
- USDA zones 7-10 (some sources list 6-10); hardy well below 0°F. The UA arboretum notes peach tolerates cold to -10°F.
- Heat tolerance
- Very heat tolerant; a long-time favorite in Texas and Southern California deserts.
- Water
- Regular deep watering; thin fruit for better size.
- Soil
- Well-drained sandy loam, pH 6.0-7.0; amend strongly alkaline spots.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun; afternoon shade helps young trees in extreme heat.
Where to buy
- Food Forest Nursery
- Texas Pecan Nursery