Description
Rich Lady peaches are known for their quality and flavour. They have a vibrant colour, ranging from golden yellow to red blush.
Rich Lady are semi freestone, large, yellow fleshed peaches, meaning the pit easily separates from the flesh, making them ideal for eating fresh or using in recipes. The flesh inside is firm and juicy.
Peach trees are are self-fertile so fruit well from a single tree.
Position
Rich Lady Peach trees require winter chill (cold temperatures below 7°) to break dormancy and produce fruit effectively.
Choose a location with full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) and good air circulation to prevent diseases.
Space the trees 3-5m apart to allow for their full growth and ensure proper air circulation. Plant the tree at the same depth it was growing in the nursery bag.
Soil
Peaches prefer well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil. Heavy clay soils can lead to root rot, amend the soil with organic matter if needed. Neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0
Add one 200-gram Bag of Superfrass added to the soil when planting.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering is important, especially during dry periods. Adjust watering based on weather conditions and soil moisture.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are preferable to minimize water on the foliage, which can help prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilising
Apply our slow-release (berry fertiliser) all-plant fertiliser. 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 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.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain tree shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve air circulation. It also encourages better fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Focus on removing crossing branches and thinning the canopy to improve light penetration.
Thinning Fruit
Thin fruit in early summer when they are about the size of a small coin to promote larger, healthier fruit and prevent branch breakage due to excessive weight.
Harvesting
Rich Lady peaches are ready for harvest in mid to late summer when they have developed full color and the fruit is fully ripe but still firm, and the background colour has turned from green to yellow.
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.
