How to Grow a Peach Tree in Louisiana
According to North Carolina State University's crop profile for Louisiana, peaches can be grown almost anywhere in the state, with Louisiana producing three million pounds of peaches per year, most of them from small orchards. Because peach trees are self-pollinating, you only have to plant one tree to get a crop, but planting three or more will ensure an extended harvest. Plant peaches in full sun in an open, elevated area that will drain cold air down and away. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Bucket
- Peat (if needed)
- Sand (if needed)
- Pruning shears
- Mulch
- Fertilizer
Instructions
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Prepare soil for planting peaches by digging and cultivating an area 5 feet in diameter and 4 feet deep. Peach trees will grow in Louisiana soil without amendments as long as the soil is well-drained. If water pools for more than an hour after a heavy rain, amend soil with equal parts peat and sand to improve drainage.
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Plant the peach tree in the center of the prepared area. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, and as deep. Set the tree in the hole and check that the graft union (a small scar on the trunk where the peach is grafted to the rootstock) is 4 to 5 inches above the soil line. Backfill the hole, pressing soil firmly around the roots to eliminate air spaces that can dry them out. Finish with a bucket of water poured slowly over the root zone.
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3
Prune the peach tree in March for its first three years to develop a strong, open structure. Picture a vase or goblet shape to get the idea. The open shape will maximize light penetration through the canopy and the tree will produce more peaches. Clip off shoots, called suckers from the lower part of the tree in May and again in late July to keep energy directed into the larger, horizontally-growing scaffold branches.
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Spread a 3-foot ring of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep, 12 inches from the trunk of the peach tree. Mulch will hold moisture in the soil and suppress weeds that compete with peach tree roots. Rake out the mulch annually and replace it for best results.
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Fertilize peach trees in March and again in May with 10-10-10 fertilizer. Follow package instructions for the size and age of your peach tree. Sprinkle the fertilizer over the root zone by hand, and cultivate it carefully into the soil with a spade. Water generously after fertilizing to help the nutrients reach the roots.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't plant peach trees where old peach trees or other fruit trees have died without having the soil tested by a professional for insects and diseases that may still be living in the site.
Don't over-fertilize peach trees. Too much nitrogen will cause a burst of leaf growth, resulting in less fruit.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit peach tree flower image by Lovrencg from Fotolia.com
