How to Grow Peaches in Perth

Name: Baileys Fertilisers
Address: Perth, Western Australia
Telephone: (08) 9439 1688

Author

Baileys Fertiliser

Published

13 April 2023

Fruits & Citrus

Peach trees can be grown successfully in Perth, the best time to plant your tree is between March and May. Not all peach varieties are suitable for Perth's climate. Look for varieties that are known to do well in hot and dry conditions. Some good options include Flordaprince, Tropic Snow, and Earlibelle. Planting peach trees in pots can be a great way to grow your own fruit even if you don't have access to a large garden, look for a dwarf variety such as Anzac or Trixzie Pixzee.

Where to plant your Peach Tree

Peach trees need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and has good drainage. Avoid planting in areas with heavy clay soils or where water tends to pool.

How to Plant a Peach Tree

Purchase a young peach tree from a nursery or garden centre. Look for a tree that has a straight trunk, healthy foliage, and no signs of disease or pests.

Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the tree. Break up any clumps of soil and enrich the soil with Baileys Soil Improver Plus which contains compost and manure that will encourage strong and healthy growth. If you have very sandy soils, use Baileys Clay & Compost.

Remove the peach tree from its container and gently loosen any roots that have become compacted. Place the tree in the centre of the hole and backfill with soil, making sure the tree is at the same level as it was in the container. Tamp down the soil to eliminate air pockets.

If planting in a pot, choose a pot or container that is wide and deep with good drainage. Use a top-quality potting mix such as Baileys Premium Potting Mix designed to assist plant establishment and ensure vigorous and healthy growth in pots and containers. Position the pot in a sunny location where the tree can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

How to Care for your Peach Tree

Peach trees need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

If planting in ground add a layer of mulch, use Baileys Moisture Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first few months after planting.

Peach trees benefit from regular fertilisation, especially during the growing season. Feed with a complete, organic-based fertiliser such as Baileys Soil Matters Garden, little and often.

How to Prune your Peach Tree

Peach trees should be pruned annually to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Prune in winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Leave 4-6 main branches that are evenly spaced around the tree. You can also train the tree to grow in a certain direction or shape by tying it to a stake or trellis.

Harvesting your Peaches

The best time to harvest peaches in Perth is in mid to late summer, usually from late December to mid-March. However, the exact timing of the harvest will depend on the specific variety of peach and the weather conditions in your area.

A ripe peach should be slightly soft to the touch, have a sweet aroma, and have a yellowish orange colour. The background colour of the peach should be a creamy yellow, not green.

Peaches can ripen quickly, so it's important to check them daily. If they are still firm, give them a few more days to ripen. When the peach is ripe, it should come off the tree with a gentle twist. If it doesn't come off easily, leave it on the tree for a few more days.

Once harvested, peaches should be stored in a cool, dry place for a few days to allow them to fully ripen. After that, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.