Peach 'Elberta'

Product Information

An old American variety dating back to 1870, the Elberta peach has always been popular for canning (preserving) due to its excellent flavour and ease of processing. Bearing large yellow fruit with a crimson blush, this yellow-fleshed freestone peach is a home garden favourite, producing an abundant crop from mid-February. Self-pollinating.

Peaches and nectarines are the rebels of the fruit tree world. They live fast and die young, often only fruiting for 10-1 years. To help them with their huge energy requirements, fertilise with blood and bone in autumn and irrigate in summer to help swell the developing fruit. Avoid waterlogged soils, especially during winter. Peaches and nectarines usually have between 200-1200 chill hours (hours below 7 degrees C) needed to set fruit. Protect spring blossoms from frost to maximise fruit set. Prune to a fan shape in small gardens or for ease of harvest, or a vase shape if growing as established trees. PLANTING TIPS: 1. Before planting, water with a weak seaweed solution to help minimise transplant shock. 2. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Remove weeds and grass to avoid competition with you new tree. 3. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and one and a half times deeper than the plant pot. 4. Backfill compost and soil to the same depth as the pot so that the soil in the pot is level with the soil surface. 5. Remove the pot and place your tree in the hole. Backfill with soil and compost mixture. Firm down gently and stake if required. 6. Mulch around the base with organic mulch to prevent competition from weeds, but always keep it away from the trunk. 7. Water now and regularly until plant establishes in the garden.