Peach, Reliance
Prunus persica 'Reliance'
Family: Rosaceae
1/2-7/8 inch stem diameter at sale, bare root
~3-5 ft tall at sale.
Sourced from New York
General Information
Recommended Spacing (ft) 12 - 15 Mature Width (ft) 12 - 15 Mature Height (ft) 12 - 20 Annual Growth Rate (in) ~ 24 Pollination Needs Self-pollinating, yield increases with multiple trees Bloom Time May to June Ripens/Harvest Early August Soil pH 6.0 - 6.5 Soil Type Loamy Soil Moisture Well-drained Sun Preference Full Sun Taste Sweet Texture Juicy Description
Reliance Peach trees are very hardy with a heavy crop production. It is great for cold climates (up to zone 4, all but the highest areas of VT’s NEK) and produces a medium-large, orange-red fruit that ripens in early August. The peaches are soft and juicy with a sweet, classically peachy flavor, and they are great for canning. The tree will grow 12-20 feet tall and bears pink flowers in early spring.
Bred in the 1950s by Dr. Meader at the University of New Hampshire for cold hardiness, surviving up to -25F.
Disease: Senstitive to very wet soils.
Pruning: Early Spring
Fertilizer:
- Year 1: Avoid fertilizer
- Subsequent years: Feed twice a year, Once in April and again in May
- Fertilizer: 10-10-10 is sufficient
Resources
The University of Maine has released a Bulletin about growing peach trees, which is also helpful to Vermonters. Read the Bulletin Here