The Flordaking Peach Tree grows sweet, clingstone peaches with juicy golden-yellow flesh that is said to have a succulent melting quality when eaten fresh. The Flordaking Peach Tree can be grown in the ground within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. Mature Flordaking Peach Trees reach heights of 18 to 20 feet tall and widths of between 12 to 15 feet. They prefer full sun, are self-fertile, and produce standard-sized peaches up to 4 inches.
Flordaking Peach Trees produce gorgeous pink blooms in early or mid spring. The juicy peaches ripen in summer as the skins turn deep yellow with red blush. They do best in sandy-loam soil that is rich in organic matter and drains well. Since the full grown trees can be as wide as 15 feet or more, it is important to plant them with enough space to grow. These peach trees can also be pruned to keep them smaller.
Flordaking Peach Trees only require 450 chill hours so they can be grown in north and north-central Florida, as well as the much colder parts of Zones 5 to 9. Plant your Flordaking Peach Tree at a depth that places the top of the potted tree’s root ball at the surface of the ground after planting. Water it in fully upon planting but do not fertilize immediately. The ground can be mulched, but be sure to not pile mulch or leaves against the peach tree’s trunk.
Flordaking Peach Trees like deep watering with sufficient time between water that allows the soil to drain. Soggy soil results in weak roots and can lead to rotted trunks, roots, and overall damage to tree health. Do not plant the Flordaking Peach Tree on a pond shore or ditch bank that is prone to flooding. A better spot is in a clear area with at least 6 hours or more of direct sunlight per day in the spring and summer months.
Fruit & Harvesting
Flordaking Peach Trees bloom in spring and the fruit takes between 3 to 4 months to ripen. Some peaches, like those on the tree’s crown and outside edges, may ripen faster than fruit growing inside the canopy or on low, interior branches. In summer when the Flordaking Peaches darken to a red blush over yellow skin, begin to do taste tests to see if they are ripe and ready to use. Gently pull and twist individual fruits to harvest.
Fresh, ripe Flordaking Peaches will last for 2 to 4 days in a cool dry pantry, or up to 6 days refrigerated. You can greatly extend the storage of peaches by freezing them. Frozen peaches can be used for baking, making preserves, or blending into smoothies. To freeze peaches, peel and slice them, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet or foil. Freeze for 20 to 30 minutes. The partially frozen slices can then be placed into a freezer bag or container with a tight lid, and frozen for storage. This avoids the frozen fruit from forming a solid block, and makes using portions far easier.
Growing Zones
Advice
Flordaking Peach Trees can be grown in many ways. You can grow a single tree in the garden, or two trees in large pots to frame a patio entry. You can also grow a row of peach trees as a border along the edges of your property. Since Flordaking Peach Trees can be pruned, they can be kept small enough to have in a smaller garden. Many growers use Flordaking Peach Trees as yard focal points so they can enjoy seeing the pink blooms and peach-colored fruits.
Whether you grow a Flordaking Peach Tree in the ground or in a container, be sure it gets ample sunlight, has well-drained soil, and is somewhat protected from harsh winds if possible. You can plant the Flordaking Peach Tree on the south side of a building or hedge to protect it from heavy northern winds. This can be especially important when the tree is in bloom.
FAQs
What pests affect Flordaking Peach Trees?
Flordaking Peach Trees are susceptible to many of the same pests as other fruit trees. Aphids on new growth, spider mites, and scale insects are potential threats, but all can be controlled.
When is the best time to prune a Flordaking Peach Tree?
The best time to prune a Flordaking Peach Tree is in the late winter. This lets you trim away any damage from freezing temperatures. It also lets the tree rebound strongly in spring.
Do Flordaking Peach Trees need their fruit crop thinned out?
Flordaking Peach Trees benefit from fruit crop thinning. As the new peaches begin to mature, but well before the first have begun to ripen, it is a good idea to pick away some of the smallest and most clustered fruit. This lets the tree give more energy to the remaining fruit, making them bigger and better.
How can you tell if peaches on a tree are ripe?
Ripe Flordaking Peaches will have about 70 percent of their skin darkened to a red blush. The ripe fruit will still be firm to the touch, but a taste test will reveal juicy sweet flesh. If the flesh is dry and at all bitter or sour, the fruit is not ripe yet.
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