How to Grow a Peach Tree

Peach trees are hardier than most citrus trees. You can grow them in Zone 5 and warmer climates. After planting your tree either by seedling, bare root or as a container tree, follow these steps to ensure your peach tree produces plenty of delicious peaches year after year.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stake
• Fertilizer
• Oil fruit tree spray

1. Stake your new peach tree once you plant it and it reaches a foot. Once established, it should grow quickly. Staking prevents it from growing at an angle and from root damage from high winds.

2. Fertilize your tree using fertilizer spikes to boost its growth. Spikes slowly release a fertilizer specifically geared for fruit trees.

3. Apply one to two pounds of fertilizer to a peach tree that is 4 or more years old twice a year. For best results apply it in March and again in May.

4. Maximize the quality and size of peaches on your tree. The more peaches on a tree, the smaller each peach grows. After a few years, you'll recognize your ideal peach size. By removing a few baby peaches in early season, the ones left on the tree grow larger.

5. Remove any peaches damaged by insects. Again, this leaves room for existing peaches to grow larger.

6. Apply a dormant oil fruit tree spray before buds open each spring to kill a wide array of insects.

7. Pick peaches before they are fully ripe, as they soften and ripen quickly after picking. Store the peaches in a dry, dark, cool place.

Tips & Warnings

• Peach trees are prone to disease and insect infestations. Spray twice a year for both, following the directions on product labels.
• Attach pest netting to your peach tree to deter birds from pecking at the fruit.
• Wear protective clothing when you spray.