The best peach varieties for growing in central Russia, planting and care

Peach belongs to the Plum genus of the Rose family. This is the same name for the tree and its fruit. A wild form of peach has been discovered for the first time in India. Classic peach varieties grow in Italy, southern Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Until recently, growing peaches in central Russia seemed almost impossible. With the advent of hybrid varieties adapted for growth in Russian regions, growing peach trees has become real.

Features of growing peach in Central Russia

The middle zone is the central European part of the country, which is characterized by a temperate continental climate. The main part of the region is located on the territory of the East European Plain, the southern territories occupy the Central Russian Upland. The regions are characterized by frosty, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. In winter, the air temperature can drop below -20 degrees, in summer the thermometer rises to +30.

The main trick that is used for growing peach trees in areas with a harsh climate is additional shelter in winter.

Suitable varieties

The cultivation of peach trees in the Middle Zone has become possible due to selective selection, which has been carried out by scientists over the past decades. Several varieties have been bred that are frost-resistant and have increased adaptability.

Red Haven

The hybrid has been recommended for the central regions of the country since 1992. The tree grows up to 5 meters, the crown consists of large dark green leaves with a glossy surface. Single flowers are collected in bell-shaped inflorescences and acquire an orange tint when flowering.

The fruits of the Red Haven variety are classified as large, weighing up to 150-160 grams. The fruit's shape remains round until fully ripe. They have thin skin and juicy flesh. Brief characteristics of the variety:

• resistant to frost down to -25 degrees;
• drought-resistant;
• does not require additional pollination;
• fruits can be stored for a long time and can withstand transportation.

Kyiv early

The hybrid was created in the middle of the last century, adapted to harsh climate conditions.

The tree has a ball-shaped crown, the size of the fruit is average, the weight of peaches reaches 100 grams. The taste of the fruits of this peach tree is sweet. The dogs are juicy, with an easily detachable bone. The hybrid is considered winter-hardy; with additional shelter, it tolerates frosts down to -27 degrees without loss. Drought resistance indicators are average. The tree does not require additional pollination and blooms in mid-summer. Due to the thin skin, the fruits do not tolerate transportation well and cannot be stored for long periods of time.

Kremlevsky

The hybrid is known for its quality - it can adapt to any conditions. It is suitable for cultivation in Siberia and the Urals. The fruits of the variety are large, up to 200 grams. Juiciness indicators are considered average compared to related hybrids.

The peculiarity of the variety lies in its tendency to shoot formation. According to gardeners, when growing the Kremlin variety, it is necessary to constantly regulate the number of branches and shoots. The Kremlin variety tolerates low temperatures - down to -26-28 degrees, and is not very resistant to drought.

Cardinal

The tree is 2.5 meters high, the fruit reaches 160 grams. The color of the peel is yellow, with a reddish tint, the flesh is juicy, the stone is easily separated.

The hybrid is considered a high-yielding variety, the frost resistance indicator is average, the tree tolerates low temperatures - from -18 to -20 degrees without loss. If the temperature limit drops, the trunk freezes. The advantage of the hybrid is resistance to diseases and insect attacks.

How to grow a peach

After making the decision to grow peach, a crucial period of preparation begins for planting a peach tree on a personal plot.In some cases, preparation of the selected site begins several years before planting.

Selection and preparation of a site

A suitable area where peach can be grown is considered to be near a building, on the south side. Here the trees will receive enough sunlight and will also be protected from drafts.

To extend the adaptation period, it is customary to plant peaches in the spring. The hole for planting begins to be prepared in the fall. About 10 kilograms of humus are added to the top layer of soil. Then the ground is dug up, and after a few weeks the procedure is repeated. The planting hole is dug according to the formula 60 by 100 centimeters. In the spring, the hole is renewed and planting begins.

Variety selection

Peach varieties for the Middle Zone are selected according to their frost and winter resistance characteristics. The lower the temperature in the region, the higher the frost resistance index of the peach variety should be.

Planting seedlings

Spring planting begins after the hole is updated. Mineral complexes with a high content of phosphorus and boron are added to it. The seedling is buried in the hole, straightening the roots and removing damaged areas. The root collar of the seedling should be located 4 centimeters below the top layer of soil. The seedling is placed vertically, the roots are sprinkled with earth, the soil is compacted at the base and tied to a pre-prepared support.

After planting, the seedling is watered abundantly and the soil is covered with mulch.

Subtleties of wood care

After planting, an adaptation period begins, during which the seedlings are left alone.

Formation

For areas with low winter temperatures, peach tree pruning in a bowl shape is recommended. This is necessary in order to increase the protective powers of the peach.

Formation begins immediately after planting the seedling: it is cut off, leaving 20 centimeters.Over the summer, he must increase the supply of wood and restore the trimmed crown.

1. Spring pruning is carried out after the frosts have stopped, and damaged branches are removed.
2. The peach tree needs autumn pruning for adjustments.

Feeding and watering

During the growing season, peach trees need regular feeding. At the beginning of summer, minerals are added to the soil. Additional fertilizing with phosphorus is carried out if the tree is slow to form an ovary. Peaches are watered regularly starting in April. When drought occurs, make sure that the soil is not too dry.

Information! A prerequisite is the application of fertilizing in the spring, a time when trees are especially vulnerable.

Preparing for winter

The crop needs additional shelter by the time the first frost begins.

Protection against frost is a two-level shelter system:

1. The soil is mulched with pine needles or sawdust.
2. The above-ground part is covered with plastic film or agrofibre.

By the end of November the trees should be covered. Before this, they are treated with Bordeaux mixture and spilled. To insulate the trunk, additional agrofibre windings are used.

Disease and pests

Stone fruit crops often develop moniliosis. This fungal disease is spread by bees and affects trees during flowering. The main signs of moniliosis:

• damaged, dried leaves;
• falling buds;
• yellowing.

Agricultural technicians have developed a plan that includes stage-by-stage processing of trees. First, peaches are treated with fungicides, then sprayed with solutions containing potassium and phosphorus.

Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that affects the leaves, shoots and fruits of peach. Young trees are most susceptible to this disease. The first sign of powdery mildew: a whitish coating on different parts. Then the leaves begin to roll into tubes, and white spots resembling mold appear on the resulting fruits. Peaches begin to rot, and part of the crop becomes unedible.

The pores of the fungus can overwinter in the soil at low temperatures, so the fight against powdery mildew is reduced to the destruction of the infected parts of the plant; the remaining parts are treated with a solution of colloidal sulfur.

Many fruit and berry crops are subject to aphid infestation. Aphids are small pests that breed on the underside of leaf blades and eat buds. To get rid of the parasite, folk remedies are used. A good method is to treat with soap solutions, as well as tobacco infusion.

Peach propagation

When choosing a variety, it is necessary to take into account the peach’s ability to self-pollinate. When self-pollinating, hobbyists can propagate peaches by cuttings. This is the most effective and simplest method, when a cutting is separated from the main tree, rooted and planted in a permanent place for further growth.

Harvest and storage

Peaches reach technical ripeness by mid-July. From this moment, the gradual collection of fruits begins. The ripening of each individual fruit may be uneven, so gardeners recommend focusing on the appearance of the peach.

For long-term storage, not fully ripe fruits are chosen. They can ripen within 2 weeks at temperatures from 0 to +5 degrees. At room temperature, peaches, depending on the variety, can be stored for 5 to 10 days.For longer storage, the fruits are wrapped individually in parchment paper and placed on the floor of wooden boxes.

Advice! Plastic bags are not suitable for storing peaches. The resulting condensation contributes to the rotting of the fruits.

Proper care and selection of a hybrid variety make it possible to grow peach trees in areas that, at first glance, are not suitable for growing sunny fruit.