UC Links
- How to grow and pest management: Nectarines and Peaches
- Calendar: Peaches & Nectarines: Calendar of Operations for Home Gardeners
The Basics
When to plant
January–March
Harvest window
June–October, depending on variety
Fertilization
Nitrogen in spring and fall, additional applications based on tree age, health, and soil quality
Annual care overview
- Dormant Spray (December–February): depending on disease pressure, consider dormant sprays to control for aphids, mites, scale, and/or peach leaf curl.
- Dormant Pruning (January–February): 50% of previous year's wood.
- Fruit thinning to ensure fruit is roughly 6 inches apart.
- Monitor and control for common pests & diseases, such as aphids, scale, brown rot, and shot hole fungus.
Some Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*
Peaches: All freestone types: Arctic Supreme, Baby Crawford (Phil Adrian), Early Elberta (Gleason), Flavorcrest, J.H. Hale, J.M. Mack, Nectar, O'Henry, Silver Logan, Stark's Saturn (donut shape - white flesh), Strawberry Free, Sugarlady, Suncrest and Zee Lady
Genetic Dwarf Peaches: Empress, Garden Gold, Golden Gem, Golden Glory, Honey Babe, Southern Flame, Southern Rose and Southern Sweet
Peach Leaf Curl Resistant: The UC Peach Leaf Curl Pest Note includes a section on resistant varieties.
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.