Prunus persica

Perzik / Peach

Rosaceae (Rozenfamilie)

Asia (whole), Europe (whole)

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Edible plant part (1)

Fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

Seeds

Peach belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid species. The growth rate is fast. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 2 to 5 meter. and a width of 2 to 4 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open. The Peach is decidious. It buds in april and it loses its leaves in november.
This species forms a deep root system. This species is slightly spreading in the food forest. Peach is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Scamperdale, https://www.flickr.com/photos/36517976@N06/3425289757

foto: Scamperdale, https://www.flickr.com/photos/36517976@N06/3425289757

Dinesh Valke, https://www.flickr.com/photos/dinesh_valke/51963939299/

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

neutral

alkaline

very alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early, early april, mid april, end of april
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: self-fertile (sf)

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

very sensitive

Main serious pests and diseases

leaf curl disease, bacterial canker, and monilinia

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: Mid june, end of june, early july, mid july, end of july, early august, mid august, end of august, early september, mid september, end of september
Harvesting period - length: Several weeks, week
Harvesting period - recognition: Easy, hardness
Harvesting period - uniformity: High
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Several days
Suitable markets: Bulk
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 2
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 8
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 30
Productivity - peak (kg) - minimum: 13
Productivity - peak (kg) - maximum: 36

Culinary appreciation

Exceptionally high value, juicy, very sweet—peaches are simply delicious.

References