Peach - Apricot Tree Fact Sheet pdf

2192 Route 102 Hwy
Lincoln NB, E3B 8N1
www.scottsnursery.nb.ca
(506) 458-9208
Toll Free 1 800 561 7268
Apricot
Peach
Peaches/Apricots in the home garden:
Peaches are a welcome treat towards the end of summer. They can be eaten fresh, canned or frozen, or used in a
multitude of desserts. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, niacin, potassium, and a very good
source of vitamin C. Apricots are a smaller, tarter cousin to the peach. They too have a fuzzy exterior. Apricots
are full of fiber, beta carotene and vitamin C.
Site Requirements:
As with most fruit trees, peaches require a sunny, well drained site. They like a loamy soil with a pH of about
6.5. Peaches are at their northern limit in southern New Brunswick, therefore careful attention must be paid to
site selection. The more sheltered and protected the area, the better are the chances of success. Temperatures below –23 Celsius can cause bud death. Also, peaches can be affected by late spring frosts. For this reason it is a
good idea to avoid planting in an area that receives early morning sun as it can exacerbate the damage to blossoms after a frost. Apricot requirements are the same: excellent drainage, full sun, and a well protected site.
Planting:
Once the site is free from weeds, a hole should be prepared that is about twice the size of the root mass. If the
soil pH is less than 6.5, lime can be added to the soil at this time. It is recommended to soak the tree roots for a
few hours prior to planting. Place some loose soil back in the hole so that the tree will be at the correct depth
when planted. Ideally, the soil should be about one inch below the graft union. Spread roots evenly in the hole
and begin to backfill with loose soil. Firm the soil as you go to prevent any air pockets from forming and make
sure to water thoroughly. Do not add fertilizer to the planting hole as it may cause root burn.
Fertilizer:
A general purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10 can be applied in the spring just as the tree begins to break from
dormancy. Fertilizer should be spread evenly on the surface around the drip line. Avoid getting any closer than
6” to the trunk as it could burn the tree. A general rule of thumb is to start with 1/2 cup of fertilizer the first year,
and increase this by one pound per year up to a maximum of 5 pounds.
Water:
Careful watering is critical during the first three years of establishment. Peaches require weekly watering of
about 20 liters. This amount could easily be doubled during periods of intense hot weather. That being said,
peach trees do not like to have standing water near the root zone so the soil must be freely draining. The period
from bloom until leaf drop is especially crucial. Mulch is beneficial in retaining moisture in the soil.
Pollination:
Peaches are self pollinating so only one tree is required for fruit production. However, having more than one tree
will increase pollination. Most varieties of apricots are self pollinating.
Harvest:
Peaches are ready to pick when about 75% of the green skin has begun to turn yellow. A whole tree may ripen in
the span of a week. The outer branches will usually ripen first because they have more sun exposure. A mature
tree can produce 120-150 pounds of fruit. Apricots should be picked when they are fully ripe, with no green
color left. They can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few days.
Pests and Diseases:
As with most fruits, keeping an overall healthy tree is the key to preventing most problems. Regular pruning and
removal of infected wood, regular fertilizing and watering, and regular monitoring are important factors to success. Diseases and pests are better able to attack a malnourished and neglected tree than a healthy one. It is a
good idea to apply a dormant spray every year as well as an insecticide/fungicide combo. Common pests are the
peach tree borer, while common diseases include brown rot and peach scab.
Brown rot is a fungal disease of stone fruit which is more prevalent during wet, humid weather. It causes the
fruit to turn soft and brown thus destroying it. The rotting fruit can further attract other pests. All affected twigs,
leaves, and fruit should be removed to prevent the disease from spreading quickly.
Peach scab is a fungus that causes spots on the fruit. It causes the fruit to grow abnormally as well as making the
skin harder to remove for canning. The best preventative for this problem is careful pruning which allows the
tree to remain open and promotes proper air circulation.
The adult peach tree borer lays eggs at the base of the tree. The larvae tunnel under the bark at or just below
ground level. Young trees can be girdled and killed, older trees are weakened and become more susceptible to
other pests. Presence of the larvae is evident by masses of sawdust near the soil line. Metal collars can be positioned around the tree base to prevent larvae from entering.
Apricots are susceptible to verticillium wilt. This is a fungal disease of which stone fruits are particularly susceptible. The soil borne fungus invades the tree roots and clogs the water conducting system. Symptoms usually appear in late summer as sudden yellowing and wilting of leaves near the base of branches and then spread upwards. The symptoms are more severe in wet soil and the fungus can persist in the soil for several years. There
are no chemical treatments for this disease. To help prevent it, it is recommended to not plant apricots close to or
in a location where strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, or peppers have previously grown in recent years.
Trees will sometimes recover on their own, other times the tree will die.
Peach Borer Larvae
Peach Borer Adult
Brown Rot
Scott’s Nursery Ltd
Lincoln, NB Canada
(506) 458-9208
www.scottsnursery.nb.ca
Verticillium Wilt
Pruning:
The goal of initial pruning is to develop the strong scaffold branches that will become the basic shape of the
tree. An open V or fan shape is desired to maximize air circulation and allow more sunshine on the innermost
fruit. Stone fruit should never be pruned in the winter when they are dormant or during a rainfall as this can
spread disease. Annual spring pruning involves removing any dead, damaged, diseased, rubbing or crossed
branches, as well as any that are older than three years because they become less productive. Branches should
be cut so they angle off each other. Peaches grow on branches that developed the previous year.
Fruit thinning may be required so that the weight of the fruit does not damage or break the branches. This involves the removal of some of the fruit when it is very small. Ideally there should be about a 6” gap between
fruits. This allows the remaining fruit to have better access to water and nutrients and thus grow larger.
Scott’s Nursery Ltd
Lincoln, NB Canada
(506) 458-9208
www.scottsnursery.nb.ca
Cultivars
PEACHES
VARIETY
Blazing Star
Reliance
DESCRIPTION
Freestone with bright
red skin and yellow
flesh that is red
around the pit. Self
pollinating.
Medium fruit that is
soft and juicy. One of
the hardiest peaches.
Suitable for fresh
eating
or
canning.
Self pollinating.
HARVEST
HEIGHT
WIDTH
ZONE
Mid
August
12’
10’
5
Late
August
12’
10’
5
Yellow fruit with orange flesh that is
sweet. Self pollinating.
Firm juicy fruit with
deep orange flesh.
Excellent for home
preserving. Though it
is self pollinating it
produces a larger crop
if a second tree of a
different variety is
introduced.
Mid
August
13’
13’
3
13’
13’
3
APPRICOTS
Morden 604
Scout
Early
August
Scott’s Nursery Ltd
Lincoln, NB Canada
(506) 458-9208
www.scottsnursery.nb.ca