Peach trees are hardy in the U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 8. It they have protection; peach trees can survive in the southern most regions of zone 4. Two varieties of peach trees, labeled hardy to grow in the U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 4; Reliance or Wisconsin Balmer.
In the spring, the peach trees burst into a huge floral bouquet of pink flowers. The flowers fade and juicy, yellow-fleshed fruit set on from late May to early June. Peach trees can grow to heights of 15 feet with a spread of 10 to 20 feet. You will need to plant two or more peach trees for cross-pollination unless you plant June Gold peach trees. They are self-pollinating. Peaches are delicious to eat right off the tree. The fruits are used in canning, cooking, baking, and making wine.It is easy to plant peach trees in your landscape and they require little care to produce fruit.
Location
In the early spring, or late in the fall, find the right location to plant your peach tree. The site should offer full sun exposure.
Prepare a ground by pulling all the weeds, grass or other vegetation in a 3-foot diameter circle. Peach trees grow better when they don’t have to compete for water and nutrients to survive. Dig or till the cleared area to loosen the soil. It is also a good time to amend the soil with 2 to 4 inches of organic compost. Remove any rocks, sticks or hard dirt clods that you find.
Dig the Hole
In the center of the cleared area, dig a planting hole that is twice as deep and twice as wide as the rootball. Scuff the sides and bottom of the hole with your spade so the roots can penetrate easily beyond the walls of the hole.
Remove the Container
Remove the peach tree from the container without breaking the soil around the root section. To do this, tip the container on its side. Grasp the base of the tree trunk close to the rootball and gently pull on the tree. If it does not come out easily, use a utility knife to cut the container away. Don’t cut too deep or you may damage the roots.
Inspect the rootball. If the roots are visible, tease them away from the sides and bottom of the rootball with your fingers. If you leave the roots growing in this manner, they will eventually choke the tree to death.
Planting the Peach Tree
Fill the hole two-thirds full with amended soil. Center the rootball in the hole and check it for height. Because the soil under the rootball will settle, the rootball should be about 1/2 inch above the surrounding ground. Adjust the soil below the root ball until you have it right.
Center the peach tree in the hole and make sure it is standing straight, before you, backfill around the rootball with amended soil. Tamp the soil in place with your hands as you work to collapse air pockets.
Watering
Water the peach tree thoroughly. Turn the water on to a slow flow and allow the water to run for several hours. You want the moisture to get deep into the ground. Fill in with amended soil if the ground settles too low and the rootball remains exposed. Water your peach tree once a week for the first year, unless there is ample rainfall in the area. After the peach tree is established, water only if there is an extended drought in your area.
Fertilizing
Feed the peach tree once in the spring and again in the fall with a balanced fertilizer. Read and apply the fertilizer according to manufacturer’s directions.
Mulching
Lay a 3 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the cleared area. Keep the mulch 1.5 to 2-inches away from the bark of the tree to prevent disease and insect damage. Mulching helps the soil retain moisture and prevents weeds from growing.
