Peaches in October

Peaches are a tasty, aromatic treat that is popular with both children and adults. Most Peach varieties start ripening in September and October. We started with one early variety but are now harvesting from five varieties.

Peaches in a basket — Harvested peaches before maintenance spraying. Even slightly underripe peaches are harvested as they will continue to ripen after picking and increase their shelf life.

The size, taste, texture, skin, and flesh colour of the fruits depend on the variety of the fruit. One mature peach tree produces enough fruit for an average-sized family for at least three weeks. The overlap in the different peach varieties may provide enough peaches for up to three months.

Five peach varieties — Five peaches of different varieties vary in size, shape and colour. However, they all have yellow flesh clingstones. The white-flesh peach varieties usually bear fruit and ripen later in the season, along with other yellow-flesh varieties.

Current threats

Peaches at all stages are prone to rot caused by fruit fly infestations; https://subtropical-urban-eden.garden/?s=fruit+fly+. They may also develop fungal and bacterial diseases, which can lower fruit quality and yield. The dry heat may cause fruit drop or premature softening and colouration of the fruits. The fruits may appear ripe, but they will be sour.

Yellow flesh peach — A delicious, fruit fly-free, yellow flesh, clingstone peach. This variety has some red highlights in the flesh and skin. The fruit is sweetest when the flesh develops red highlights.

Birds are a big nuisance this time of year.

Peaches eaten by birds may be extensive, resulting in low yields. Picking the fruits in the mornings is helpful.

The fruits could be protected by bagging, decoys or planting alternative bird food sources.

Peach tree with fabric bags protecting fruits from birds.

This month’s Care Tips

Compost application and mulching are advantageous—water trees in the ground once a week and potted peach trees twice a week. Harvest the fruits before watering to avoid diluting the flavour. The flavour of the peaches improves as the tree ages, and the root system becomes well established. Please visit https://subtropical-urban-eden.garden/product/4-peach-cuttings/ and https://subtropical-urban-eden.garden/?s=fruit+thinning for more care tips.