How to grow Peach in Australia
Plant in full sun in deep, well-drained soil sheltered from frost while in flower. Water deeply and regularly, especially as fruit swells, and thin a heavy crop so the remaining fruit grows to size.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 15 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 400 cm
- Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
- Time to germinate: 1 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | June to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | June to August | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | June to August | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | June to August | |
| Adelaide & SA | June to August | |
| Perth & WA | June to August | |
| Tasmania | June to August | Plant bare-root Jun to Aug. Choose late-flowering varieties to dodge spring frost. Spray for leaf curl in winter. |
| Canberra & ACT | June to August | |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Even low chill peaches need 100 plus chill hours; the Townsville coast does not deliver them. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Even low chill peach needs cool winter nights Darwin never gets. |
Varieties
- Tropic Snow
- Flordaprince
- Anzac
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick when the background colour turns from green to cream or gold and the flesh gives slightly with a sweet aroma. Cup and twist gently from the branch.
Storage
Bench until ripe, then fridge for 3 to 5 days. Freeze sliced for months.