During an average spring, most peach tree varieties will produce an excessive amount of fruit. The benefits of pruning peach trees include disease reduction, increased fruit quality, more efficient harvest, and reduction in thinning labor.

The effort and attention to detail given during this process will be rewarded in high quality fruit at harvest time, improved vigor and healthy, and long-living trees.

You can remove suckers during the summer, but avoid pruning during that time.Pruning peach trees is essential to maintaining healthy and productive trees. Pruning should be done when the tree is dormant otherwise, you may weaken the tree. Never fertilize Contender peach trees after July 1. Feed the peach trees in early spring, using a peach tree or orchard fertilizer. However, it’s a good idea to give the tree a thorough soaking every seven to 10 days during dry periods.įertilize Contender peach trees when the tree begins bearing fruit, generally after two to four years.

Once established, Contender peaches generally don’t need supplemental irrigation if you receive an average of about an inch (2.5 cm.) or more of water per week. Before planting, amend the soil with generous amounts of dry leaves, grass clippings or compost. Similarly, peach trees tend to struggle in fast-draining sandy soil. Allow 12 to 15 feet (4-5 m.) between trees.Īvoid locations with heavy clay, as Contender peach trees require well-drained soil. Plant the trees where they receive at least six to eight hours of full sunlight per day. However, a pollinator in close proximity may result in a larger crop. How to Grow Contender PeachesĬontender peach trees are self-pollinating. Growing Contender peaches is easy, and the tree’s mature height of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 m.) simplifies pruning, spraying and harvesting. They are favored by home gardeners, not only for the quality of the fruit, but for the masses of pink blooms in springtime. Contender peach trees were developed at North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station in 1987. Although Contender peaches grow in a wide diversity of climates, they are especially prized by northern gardeners. Contender Peach FactsĬontender peach trees are cold hardy and tolerant of sub-zero temperatures. Have we piqued your curiosity? Read on and learn how to grow Contender peaches. What is a Contender peach tree? Why should I consider growing Contender peaches? This disease-resistant peach tree produces generous crops of medium to large, sweet, juicy freestone peaches.

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