Juicy peaches from our own garden mean pure summer mood. We show how easy it is for you to plant a peach tree.

The heat-loving peach (Prunus persica) originally comes from Asia and probably came to Central Europe via Persia. In areas that are not too frosty, the popular stone fruit can now also be successfully cultivated in German-speaking countries. There are numerous variants with fruits in different colors and shapes. The pink flowers in spring are also a real eye-catcher. So if you don't want to do without sweet peaches, you should definitely plant a peach tree in your own garden.

Buy a peach tree in pots or in a ball?

Before planting, you should ask the nursery of your choice about their experience with the desired variety and check whether it is adapted to the site conditions in your garden. Many fruit trees are offered in tree nurseries as container and bale goods. But what is the difference?

So-called bale goods are on the field and are only cut out with a ball of earth and packed shortly before the order is placed. As a rule, these saplings are quite robust due to the outdoor cultivation and grow well, since only a small part of the root mass is lost during transplanting. However, baled goods are usually only available in early spring or autumn. In contrast, you can buy and plant container goods all year round. The tree is grown in a container (or bucket) in which it is then sold. No root mass is lost by cutting out and the plant grows very well in the first year, since no force is required to regrow the lost root mass.

In contrast to bale goods, container goods can be bought and planted all year round (advertisement: many thanks to Floragard)

When to plant a peach tree?

Peaches are best planted in autumn (October to November) so that the tree can root well over the winter months. Alternatively, you can also plant in spring (March to April). However, only when there are no more severe winter frostsare expected so that the little tree is not harmed.

Peach Tree Planting Instructions

There are a few things to consider when planting peach trees. Below we give you step-by-step instructions on how best to proceed.

Materials needed to plant a peach tree

So that you can start planting quickly, you should prepare the following utensils:

  • Spade, shovel, pickaxe
  • Support pole, binding material
  • Hammer, Secateurs
  • Planting soil, compost soil
  • Coconut Mat
Choosing a suitable location for peach tree

The heat-loving peach prefers a sheltered spot with sufficient sunlight. For example, a place in front of a warm south wall is ideal. Areas that are endangered by late frost are not suitable for peaches, as they bloom very early in March. Loamy, nutrient-rich soils with a high humus content are ideal for peaches. You can improve lighter soils with nutrient-rich compost before planting.

For a plentiful harvest, peach trees need a sheltered location

Tip from the professional: With a few exceptions, peaches are self-fertile. Therefore, you do not necessarily need a second tree in the vicinity. However, cross-pollination also increases fruit set in peach.

Dig planting hole for peach tree

Once you have chosen the right location, you must first estimate the size of the planting hole. You can use the root ball of the tree as a guide: the planting hole should be about twice as large as this. Use the spade to roughly pierce the outline of the planting hole and gradually remove the layers of earth. It is best to pile up the soil right next to the planting hole, because it will be used again later. It is best to dig the planting hole a third deeper than the root ball of the tree. Then loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole with a hoe twice the height of the pot.

Install Peach Tree Support Stake

After digging the planting hole, the support post can be hammered in. This should be about the same height as the trunk of the peach tree. It is best to hit the pole on the west side so that the wind later pushes the tree away from the pole and not against it.

Prepare planting hole for peach tree

Before the tree is planted, you should ensure good starting conditions. pour for thisIt is best to put fresh potting soil and some compost in the planting hole. Then mix the two layers together well. If necessary, you can also work a fertilizer with an organic long-term effect, such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer, into the soil. This is slowly decomposed by the microorganisms in the soil and provides your peach tree with sufficient nutrients over the long term.

Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer optimally supplies the freshly planted peach tree with nutrients

Prepare peach tree before planting

Before planting, you should score the root ball of the tree with a pair of scissors and loosen it up a bit with your hands. The root branching is stimulated by the small injuries. However, it is not usually necessary to cut the roots of container goods.

Tip from the professional: If the root ball of the purchased peach tree is very dry, the sapling can be placed in a bucket of water again before planting.

Plant peach tree

When planting the tree, make sure that the grafting point protrudes about five centimeters above the ground and close the planting hole with the previously removed soil. Cavities are closed by gently stepping on the earth. To protect it from strong winds, you can now tie the peach tree a hand's breadth below the end of the post. The rope should not be pulled too tightly so that the tree does not suffer constrictions. Finally, pour it on. Slurrying ensures that the soil settles well and that the water reaches the roots. Due to the small root volume, you should definitely keep the tree disc free of other plants so that there is no competition with the peach tree for nutrients. Laying a coir mat around the trunk of the sapling can help suppress weed growth, especially in the early stages.

A support pole protects the peach tree from strong winds (Advertisement: Many thanks to Floragard)

Tip from the professional: Herbs that require little nutrients and water can also be grown under a young peach tree without hesitation. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), for example, can be used as a spice in the kitchen and at the same time protects the tree from the widespread leaf curl.

Summary: Planting a Peach Tree

  • Plant in autumn (October/November)
  • Onechoose full sun, sheltered location
  • Dig the planting hole twice the size and about a third deeper
  • Hit the supporting pile on the west side
  • Bring in fresh potting soil and compost
  • Carefully carve and loosen the root balls
  • Place the tree in the hole and fill up with the excavated earth
  • Press the soil lightly and water well
  • Tie to post and lay out coconut mat

Care for peach tree after planting

Especially during the hot summer months, it is important to ensure sufficient watering, otherwise the fruits will remain very small or even fall off prematurely. To supply nutrients, you can fertilize the fruit tree with compost or organic long-term fertilizer every year. Spread some compost on the tree grate and work it a little into the soil.

The beautiful flowers usually appear very early in spring (early March). Therefore, in cold winters, there is a risk that they will freeze to death and crop failures will occur. To protect the peach blossoms from late frost, you can protect them with fleece or a blanket if necessary. As with almost all fruit trees, regular pruning also has a positive effect on the yield of peaches. Since they flower on one-year-old wood, they can be pruned a little more generously. In this way, enough wood grows back on which numerous fruits form again next year.

You can find more information and precise instructions on how to prune peach trees in our special article.

Category:

Fruit