How to Grow Dwarf Elberta Peach Trees
The small stature and delicious fruits of a dwarf Elberta peach tree makes this tree a delightful addition to the home orchard. But like most peach tree varieties, the dwarf Elberta takes time and attention to keep the tree healthy and producing. Elberta peach trees are one of the most commonly planted and popular of the peach varieties. Mature trees grow just 8 to 15 feet tall; in contrast, full size peach trees grow about 25 feet tall. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Garden fork
- Organic material
- Pruning shears
- 10-10-10 fertilizer
- Tree saw
Instructions
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Plant dwarf Elberta peach trees in a sunny location that has slightly acidic, loamy and well-draining soil. Plant in the spring. Select an area that is level or slightly higher than the surrounding area.
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Mark out a circular planting bed that has a diameter of 5 to 6 feet prior to planting. Spread 4 inches of leaf mold, seasoned manure or compost over the planting area, and work it into the top 12 inches of the soil.
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Dig the planting hole in the center of the prepared area; the hole should be 1 inch shallower than the height of the root ball and 6 inches wider.
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Slide the root ball out of the nursery pot, or unwrap it from the plastic or cloth covering it was sold in. Cut thin materials away from the peach tree root ball to minimize disturbance of the roots.
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Place the dwarf peach sapling into the center of the hole, making sure the base of the trunk is 1 inch above the soil line. Fill in around the roots, and press the soil down to secure it.
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Soak the area around the roots to a depth of 12 inches within six hours of planting. Then water once or twice a week, soaking the soil 12 inches deep at each watering.
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Fertilize peach trees two weeks after planting, using 1/2 lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer. Apply the same amount eight to 10 weeks later, using the same fertilizer. In the following years, apply the 10-10-10 fertilizer once in March and again in late May. Increase the application amount from 3/4 lb. in the second year to 1 lb. per application for the duration of the tree's life.
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Prune dwarf Elberta peach trees in the early spring to remove dead and broken branches. Remove branches that hang low to the ground and any that cross each other or rub together. Use pruning shears on small branches and a tree saw on larger branches.
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Tips & Warnings
Dwarf Elberta peach trees grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
It is a good idea to plant peaches on a slight rise to protect them from late spring frosts that can settle in low spots and damage the harvest.
References
Resources
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