Description
The Red Velvet Peach tree is a unique and attractive fruit tree known for its stunning appearance and delicious fruit. The peaches are medium to large, with distinctive red, fuzzy skin and juicy, sweet, yellow flesh. The flesh often has a slight tartness, making it great for eating fresh, baking, or preserving.
Freestone peaches are often preferred for fresh, canning, and baking because the flesh comes off the pit easily.
The tree has a rounded canopy with lush green leaves that turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in Autumn. The blossoms in spring are typically pink to white, adding to its ornamental appeal.
Peach trees are are self-fertile so fruit well from a single tree.
Position
Peach trees require colder climates and do not do well in warm winter climates. The chill hours are calculated under 7°C in winter. If your peach tree does not receive enough chill hours, its flowers may not open, or they may have only a few flowers that open.
Red Velvet Peach trees need full sun for at least 6-8 hours daily to produce healthy fruit.
Soil
They prefer well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. Add one 200-gram Bag of Superfrass added to the soil when planting.
Mulch
Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. The mulch retains moisture and maintains an optimal pH. Keep about 20-30 cm away from the tree trunk,
Watering
Water every second day after transplanting for about a week; reduce to twice a week in dry or hot weather for the next 2-3 months.
If there is no rain, water every couple of weeks. Too much water can cause root rot but do not allow the roots to dry out completely.
Fertilising
Apply our slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Alternatively, apply a balanced fertiliser (such as 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins. Thereafter fertilise annually in early spring.
Mulch
Use 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. The mulch retains moisture and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Harvesting
Red Velvet peaches are usually harvested when they are fully ripe, between November and December, and have developed their characteristic sweet taste and vibrant colors. Gently twist or lift the fruit to detach it from the branch.
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.
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.
