Description
Earligrande peaches are popular for their early ripening and delicious flavor. These peaches are highly sought after for their ability to provide an early taste of summer with their sweet and aromatic flavor, making them enjoyable to eat fresh. The skin of Earligrande peaches is often vibrant with red, pink, and orange hues.
Peach trees are are self-fertile so fruit well from a single tree.
Earligrande is ready to harvest at the end of October, and stores well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Position
Peach trees require relatively cold winters. The chill hours are calculated under 7 degrees Celsius in winter. Earligrande peach trees thrive in regions with moderate winter chilling hours.
Full sun, although they can tolerate some shade they will yield more fruit the more sun they receive and grow more vigorously.
Size
Peach trees grow to anything from 4 metres plus tall and wide. Provide adequate spacing between Earligrande peach trees, typically about 5 metres apart, to allow for proper air circulation and future growth. If you are planting multiple trees, ensure there is enough distance between them to accommodate their mature size.
Soil Type
Peach trees are not fussy about soil type but prefer slightly acidic soil. Loosen the soil in the area before planting about 1.5mts depth in your normal garden soil, and good drainage is important.
Mulch
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Watering
Proper irrigation is essential for establishing and growing Earligrande peach trees. Water newly planted trees thoroughly and provide regular watering during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Pruning
Prune peach trees during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Also, thin out crowded branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilising
Use our slow-release, nitrogen-rich Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they require.
Harvesting
Earligrande peaches should be harvested when they have reached their full color and are slightly soft to the touch in October. The peaches will easily detach from the tree with a gentle twist or lift. It’s important to handle them carefully to avoid bruising.
Pest and Disease Management
For good-quality fruit, Peach trees need regular spraying before the onset of fruit and immediately after buds turn to small fruit. Regularly inspect the tree for signs of pests such as aphids, scale insects, fruit fly and peach tree borers.
They can be susceptible to diseases such as peach powdery mildew, leaf curl and brown rot. Use organic products to control as needed and practice good garden hygiene by removing fallen fruit from the soil beneath the tree.
We recommend Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) and organic Neem Oil to prevent and control the spread of these pests and diseases.
EM Control puts you firmly on the green path when using it in your garden. EM is certified organic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Because EM boosts the soil, your garden will flourish without the use of any chemicals. The soil’s vitality equals the vitality of the plants and fruits they produce. EM is a biocontrol measure, controlling pests by releasing microorganisms into the soil. With EM, pests and pathogens are controlled or suppressed by means of natural processes.
Agricultural Neem Oil is a powerful oil that is kind to your garden, fighting against even the most challenging infestations. Our Neem oil is an agricultural grade and is highly effective in controlling roughly 600 different types of insects! Targeted at insects that suck and chew leaves, it doesn’t extend its damage to the rest of the plant or its surrounds. It is Biodegradable, cold pressed and 100% organic.
