Description
The Van Riebeeck peach is a freestone peach that is medium in size with a round shape. The skin is heavily blushed with red as it is very similar to the Culemborg variety. The flesh is creamy white and red around the pip. It is juicy and very sweet with a fine melting texture.
Fruit ripens from November to December.
Peach trees are are self-fertile so fruit well from a single tree.
Position
Full sun, although they can tolerate some shade they will yield more fruit the more sun they receive and grow more vigorously.
Peach trees thrive in regions with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. They require a certain number of chill hours during the winter (typically around 200-300 hours below 7°C) to break dormancy and promote fruit production.
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.
Plan the site before planting, keeping the tree away from external walls, electrical lines (about 5m) and other trees. Allow adequate spacing between peach trees to ensure good air circulation and proper growth.
Plant in a protected area if possible, as strong winds can damage branches and leaves.
Select a sunny location for planting the tree, as peach trees require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Size
Peach trees can grow to about 8-10 metres tall.
Soil Type
Peaches prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is heavy or clayey, consider improving its drainage by amending it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
When planting, dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without crowding or bending them. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring that the graft union (the swollen area where the tree is grafted onto the rootstock) is above soil level. Firmly tamp down the soil around the tree to eliminate air pockets.
Add one 200-gram Bag of Superfrass added to the soil when planting.
Watering
Water every second day after transplanting for about a week, thereafter reduce to twice a week in dry or hot weather for the next 2-3 months.
Water every couple of weeks if there is no rain. 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 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.
Thinning Fruit
Thin fruit in early summer when they are small, to promote larger, healthier fruit and prevent branch breakage due to excessive weight.
Pruning
Prune the top and sides of your peach tree regularly in Spring and early Autumn to prevent it growing too large which will also allow light into the centre of the tree. It will be easier to harvest the fruit.
Cut out dead or diseased branches completely whenever they appear and dispose of them immediately.
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.
As they spread blight, tomatoes and potatoes should be kept away from peach trees. Also, avoid planting raspberry bushes near peach trees.
Planting chamomile and comfrey adds nutrients to the soil, serving as a natural fertiliser for peach trees.
