How to Grow Peach Trees in Florida

Florida is well-known for its superior citrus trees and plump sweet strawberries, but did you know delectable juicy peaches can also be grown in the central part of the state? Varieties that have been specifically bred so they will flourish and survive in the Florida climate include the Florida King Peach and Florida Prince. Both are low-chill varieties, requiring a shorter cold period of time and will produce an abundance of sweet aromatic fruit in early June.

Things You'll Need

• Peach trees (container or bare root)
• Nutrient rich food
• Mulch
• Insecticide
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Purchase peach trees from a reputable nursery that are being grown in containers or that have bare roots. Peach trees that are being maintained in containers can be planted anytime throughout the year. If trees are in a dormant stage, they should be planted in the winter months. Bare root trees are usually available during the winter and need to be planted as soon as possible in order to keep the roots supple, pliant and not dried out. Pick varieties that have been specifically bred for the Florida climate. These types of peach trees will require less amount of time in temperatures of less than 45 degrees F. in order to produce sweet, juicy fruit, while other varieties of peach trees require exposure to colder temperatures for much longer periods of time in order to produce well.

2. Peach trees are hardy and fast growing and should be planted in good, rich soil that is well-drained, mulched and in a location that provides plenty of sun. If the trees remain healthy and are maintained through pruning, thinning and feeding, they should begin to bear fruit in their second year. Depending on the variety of peach being grown, harvesting time for mature trees can range anywhere from 80 to 95 days with harvesting beginning in early May and lasting through mid-June. Because Florida experiences a heavy rainy season during the summer months, it's very important that the peaches are harvested before the rainy season begins.

3. Keep the peach trees thinned and pruned to provide the best opportunity for a healthy tree. During the trees' dormant period, prune and thin the branches so the trees get plenty of circulation and sunshine during the winter months. The more aeration and sun the trees receive during the dormant winter months, the better the chances are that the trees will thrive and start to produce blossoms in early spring. During the dormant winter months, the trees will not require as much water as they will during the spring. If rainfall is plentiful, this should be adequate enough to supply the trees but if not, water them during the week keeping the soil moist. The summer months in Florida should produce more than enough water for each tree's needs.

4. Feeding the trees with a mixture of good nutrients throughout their life is vital and it's important to start a feeding program the first year of planting. Whether you're planting container bound or bare-root trees, start the feeding program in February so that by early spring, when blossoms and fruit begin to sprout, the thinning process can be implemented. Feed the trees again in May and August. These two feedings coincide with the beginning of harvest time and then at the end of the season. It's best to thin out the blossoms and any small developing fruit during the pre-harvest time, otherwise the tree can become too full at harvest time, with much smaller fruit than the tree is actually capable of producing.

5. The second year, feedings should begin in February and then repeated again every two months through September using the same nutrient rich food in half-pound portions. Each year after the second season, follow the original schedule of feeding in February, May and August and increase the feeding amount to 1 1/2 pounds and gradually increase the amount of food each year until the trees are being fed 2 1/2 pounds of nutrients three times a year. The final feeding of each season is extremely important in order to help prolong the foliage on the tree for as long as possible, which means a better blooming tree for the next harvest season. If the trees are not fed enough food or are not kept on a yearly feeding schedule, the summer foliage will fall off the tree prematurely and can cause early blooms to be produced at the beginning of winter, which is too soon.

6. Incorporating a bug and fungus preventative program is essential to the good health of your trees. Trees should be treated three to four times a year starting with pruning in January, followed by spraying at the beginning of the pre-harvest time when buds start to appear and again during the summer months. A healthy and well maintained peach tree that is fed throughout the year and is free of pests and fungus can thrive and produce fruit for 10 or more years.

Tips & Warnings

• During the dormant winter months, it's necessary that the trees be pruned and thinned to maintain the health and optimum producing abilities of the tree.

• Check your trees periodically for pests and fungus and utilize a good pest and disease control program to keep the trees healthy.

• Trees must be kept on a regular feeding schedule, otherwise, early blooming can occur that can disrupt the fruit producing cycle of the trees.