Peach Champion: description and characteristics of an early variety, planting and care

Peach trees are always associated with the southern sun and sea. But thanks to breeders, frost-resistant varieties of fruit crops have been bred, and Champion variety peach is one of them. A variety of fruit crops was bred by Soviet breeders in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden in the early 80s of the last century. In 1991, the variety was included in the Register of Fruit Crops with a recommendation for cultivation in various climatic zones.

Description and characteristics of the variety

Champion's early peach is capable of self-pollination, does not require additional neighbors with the same flowering time.

1. Trees are characterized by rapid growth and development, reaching a 4-meter mark by the age of 4.
2. The crown is rounded, powerful and spreading, with a dense leaf cover.
3. Leaf plates characteristic of a fruit crop.
4. Culture blooms in mid-late May. The trees bloom with bright pink flowers in the form of large bowls.
5. Fruiting begins in the 3rd year of growth and development of the tree.
6. The variety is resistant to sudden changes in temperature and frost. At rest, it can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees. The buds are not prone to freezing down to -8 degrees, blossoming flowers can withstand temperatures not lower than 0 degrees. Even if the plants suffer from low temperatures, they quickly bounce back in the spring.
7. In the southern latitudes, fruit ripening occurs at the end of July, in the middle lane - in mid-August.
8. The variety has a high yield. With proper care, up to 60 kg of ripe, juicy and he althy fruits can be obtained from one plant per season.
9. Fruits are large, with an average weight of 140 to 170 g, rounded, covered with a bright orange skin with a red or pink blush and a small amount of villi.
10. Under the protective skin is juicy, fragrant and sweet pulp, bright yellow.
11. The stone is large, it is difficult to separate from the pulp.

Important! The presence of a large number of red shoots indicates a high frost resistance of the plant.

Pros and cons of Peach Champion

Before planting a champion peach, you need to familiarize yourself in detail with all the pros and cons of a fruit crop.

Dignity:

• stable fruiting, early fruit ripening;
• excellent yield and flavor characteristics;
• universal purpose of fruits;
• natural immunity to most fungal and viral diseases;
• rarely attacked by harmful insects;
• excellent weather and climate resistance.

Among the shortcomings, they note the tendency of trees to overload, fall of ripe fruits and a short shelf life.

Important! Champion variety peach is demanding on watering and does not tolerate strong winds.

Features of cultivation and care

The timing of planting peach seedlings depends on the climatic conditions of the region of cultivation.In southern latitudes, planting activities are carried out in the fall, after harvest. In temperate climates, planting peach trees is postponed until spring. The site is chosen sunny, closed from drafts and northern winds.

Preparation of the site for planting seedlings is carried out in advance:

• the soil in the selected area is dug up, mixed with organic matter and mineral fertilizers, loosened, thoroughly moistened;
• then dig out landing holes, up to 60-70 cm deep and wide;
• the distance between the holes is maintained within 2-2.5 m, between rows - up to 4 m;
• the day before planting, the seedlings are placed in a container with settled water heated in the sun, and the rhizomes are treated with antifungal drugs;
• on the day of planting, the plants are placed in the holes, carefully distributing the roots, covered with fertile soil from above, if necessary, tied to support pegs.

Finish planting with abundant watering of seedlings.

Advice! To provide the plants with moisture and protect the roots from overheating, the trunk circle is mulched with humus, straw or wet sawdust.

Champion's peach variety is unpretentious to growing conditions, but demanding on watering, additional feeding and timely pruning. The frequency of watering depends on the weather conditions of the growing region. In hot, arid climates, peach trees are watered as the topsoil dries out. In the middle lane, irrigation work is carried out based on the amount of precipitation.

Feed the fruit tree 2-3 times during the growing season:

• spring organics are introduced into the soil;
• during flowering and fruiting, plants need mineral supplements based on potassium and phosphorus.

The last feeding of peach is carried out in autumn, during the preparation of trees for winter rest. Sanitary pruning is carried out in spring and autumn, removing all broken, damaged and dried branches.

Important! The tree is prone to rapid growth, so extra and weak shoots are removed in the fall.

Protection against diseases and pests

Due to natural immunity, the fruit crop of this variety is rarely attacked by diseases and attacked by harmful insects. To avoid trouble, they carry out spring treatment of plants with fungicides and insecticides, remove weeds in a timely manner and apply top dressing.

Harvest and storage of crops

Harvest is done when the peaches are soft. Fruits are carefully separated from the branches and put into prepared boxes or containers. To provide peaches with longer storage and safe transportation, the fruits are harvested 5-7 days before full ripening.

Champion is great for fresh consumption, making juices, nectars, desserts and various winter preparations.

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