Peaches - Does it take more than one to fruit?

Howdy, fellow gardeners! Ken Lain here, ready to answer your peachy keen questions. Let's talk about everyone's favorite fuzzy fruit: peaches! Specifically, whether you need two trees to tango or just one to get that juicy goodness.

Well, the answer is a resounding Nope! Most peach trees are self-pollinating, meaning they have both the male and female parts needed to produce fruit all on their own. So, you can plant just one tree and bask in a bountiful harvest.

Now, there are a few exceptions. Some heirloom peach varieties are self-unfruitful, meaning they need a pollenizer from another tree (of a different variety) to set fruit. But these are less common these days, and most nurseries will clearly label if a tree needs a buddy.

Here are some additional tips for peachy success:

• Pick a sunny spot: Peaches love to soak up the rays, so choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Plant at the right time: In most areas, plant your peach tree in late winter or early spring, when the danger of frost has passed.
• Give them some space: Dwarf varieties need about 15-20 feet of space, while standard trees need 20-25 feet.
• Water deeply and regularly: Especially during the first few years, give your tree about 1 inch of water per week.
• Prune for perfection: Pruning helps open up the canopy for better airflow and sunlight penetration, which can lead to more and better fruit.

So, there you have it! With just one peach tree and a little TLC, you can be enjoying delicious homegrown peaches in no time. Happy planting!

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🪴 Ken and Lisa Lain, Top10Gardners

 

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