Wild Peach - Prunus persica - €13 per plant

Our Wild Peach trees are hardy to -20C and can handle spring frosts of -4C without damaging blooms. They show excellent resistance to Peach Leaf Curl and yield an abundance of sweet, yellow flesh fruit every year. In April the trees burst into a purple cloud of blossom much loved by honey bees and other pollinating invertebrates. To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com. 

Context

  • native region: N-W China
  • native habitat:Not known in a truly wild situation
  • family: Rosaceae

Pest and Predators

  • Peach Leaf Curl

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4b - 9b
  • Prefers well drained soil 
  • Mulch with compost in the spring and keep weed free as plant establishes 
  • If there is little rainfall, water well when fruits are setting   
  • Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus

Known hazards 

  • The seed can contain high levels of hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is readily detected by its bitter taste. Usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm, any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Overview


  • 2nd yr bare root 
  • Deciduous Tree growing to 6 m by 6 m
  • It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from July to August.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.The plant is self-fertile.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It cannot grow in the shade.
  • It prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized shrub
  • layer : Lower Canopy
  • habit: Standard Tree
  • height x width (m): 6m x 6m
  • years to bearing fruit: 3-4 years  
  • productive life span: 15-18 years 

Products 

  • Fruit: Drupes: July- Sep. Sweet, yellow flesh. 
  • Yield: 20Kg -30KG of fruit after 7 years 
  • Flowers: April, good source of nectar for bees.
  • Seeds can be used to grow an excellent  root stock for grafting, compatible with all species from the Prunus genus inc. plum, cherry, apricot and almond.   

Functions, behaviours

  • The trees themselves can usually tolerate temperatures to around −26 to −30 °C, although the following season's flower buds are usually killed at these temperatures, leading to no crop that summer. Flower bud kill begins to occur between −15 and −25 °C.
  • The trees tend to flower fairly early in spring. The blooms often can be damaged or killed by frosts; typically, if temperatures drop below about −4 °C, most flowers will be killed. However, if the flowers are not fully open, they can tolerate a few degrees colder.
If you would like this plant please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project