Peach in Central Russia: the best varieties, planting, growing and care

Peach belongs to the Plum genus of the Pink family. This is the eponymous name of the tree and its fruit. The wild form of the peach was first discovered in India. Classic varieties of peach grow in Italy, in the south of Russia, in the Caucasus and in Central Asia. Growing peach in the territory of Central Russia until recently seemed almost impossible. With the advent of hybrid varieties adapted for growth in the Russian regions, the cultivation of the peach tree has become a reality.

Features of growing peach in Central Russia

The middle lane is called the central European part of the country, which is characterized by a temperate continental climate.The main part of the region is located on the territory of the East European Plain, the southern territories occupy the Central Russian Upland. The regions are characterized by frosty snowy winters and warm, humid summers. In winter, the air temperature can drop below -20 degrees, in summer the thermometer rises to +30

The main trick used to grow peach trees in harsh climates is the extra shelter in winter.

Suitable varieties

Cultivation of peach trees in the Middle lane has become possible due to the selective selection that has been carried out by scientists over the past decades. Several varieties have been bred to be frost tolerant and have increased adaptability.

Red Haven

Hybrid recommended for the central regions of the country since 1992. The tree grows up to 5 meters, the crown consists of dark green large leaves with a glossy surface. Single flowers gather in bell-shaped inflorescences, turning orange when flowering.

The fruits of the Red Haven variety are classified as large-sized, the weight can reach 150-160 grams. The shape of the fruit remains round until fully ripe. They have thin skin and juicy flesh. Brief description of the variety:

• resistant to frost down to -25 degrees;
• drought tolerant;
• does not need additional pollination;
• fruits can be stored for a long time and withstand transportation.

Early Kyiv

The hybrid was created in the middle of the last century, adapted to the harsh climate.

The tree has a crown in the shape of a ball, the size of the fruit is medium, the weight of peaches reaches 100 grams. The taste of the fruits of this peach tree is sweet. Dogs are juicy, with an easily detachable bone. The hybrid is considered winter-hardy, with additional shelter it tolerates frosts down to -27 degrees without loss.Drought tolerance is average. The tree does not need additional pollination, it blooms in mid-summer. Due to the thin skin, the fruits do not tolerate transportation well and cannot be stored for a long time.

Kremlin

The hybrid is known for its quality - can adapt to any conditions. It is suitable for growing in Siberia and the Urals. The fruits of the variety are large, up to 200 grams. Juiciness indicators are considered average compared to related hybrids.

The peculiarity of the variety lies in the tendency to shoot formation. According to gardeners, when growing the Kremlin variety, it is necessary to constantly adjust the number of branches and shoots. The Kremlin variety tolerates low temperatures - up to -26-28 degrees, it is not very resistant to drought.

Cardinal

Tree 2.5 meters high, fruits reach 160 grams. The color of the peel is yellow, with a reddish tint, the flesh is juicy, the stone is easily separated.

The hybrid is considered a high-yielding variety, the frost resistance index is average, the tree tolerates low temperatures - from -18 to -20 degrees without loss. In the event of a decrease in the temperature limit, the trunk freezes through. The advantage of the hybrid is resistance to diseases and insect invasion.

How to grow a peach

After making a decision to grow a peach, there comes a crucial period of preparation for planting a peach tree on a personal plot. In some cases, the preparation of the selected site begins several years before planting.

Selecting and preparing a site

A suitable site for growing peach is near the building, on the south side. Here the trees will receive enough sunlight and will also be protected from drafts.

To extend the adaptation period, it is customary to plant a peach in the spring.The planting hole begins to be prepared in the fall. About 10 kilograms of humus are added to the top layer of soil. Then the earth is dug up, after a few weeks the procedure is repeated. The landing hole is dug according to the formula 60 by 100 centimeters. In the spring, the hole is renewed and planting begins.

Choice variety

Peach varieties for the Middle lane are selected according to the characteristics of frost and winter hardiness. The lower the temperature in the region, the higher the frost resistance index of the peach variety should be.

Planting seedlings

Spring planting starts after hole renovation. Mineral complexes with a high content of phosphorus and boron are added to it. The seedling is buried in a hole, straightening the roots and removing the damaged areas. The root neck of the seedling should be located 4 centimeters below the top layer of soil. The seedling is set vertically, the roots are sprinkled with earth, the soil is compacted at the base and tied to a previously prepared support.

After planting, the seedling is watered abundantly and covered with mulch.

Subtleties of tree care

After planting, the adaptation period begins, during which the seedlings are left alone.

Formation

For areas with low winter temperatures, peach tree pruning in the form of a bowl is recommended. This is necessary in order to increase the defenses of the peach.

Formation begins immediately after planting the seedling: it is cut off, leaving 20 centimeters. Over the summer, he must increase the supply of timber, restore the cut crown.

1. Spring pruning is carried out after the end of frost, damaged branches are removed.
2. Autumn pruning needs a peach tree to adjust.

Feeding and watering

During the growing season, peach trees need regular feeding. At the beginning of summer, minerals are added to the soil. Additional fertilizing with phosphorus is carried out if the tree is slow to form an ovary. Peaches are regularly watered starting in April. When drought occurs, make sure that the soil is not too dry.

Information! A prerequisite is the introduction of fertilizing in the spring, at a time when the trees are especially vulnerable.

Preparing for winter season

Additional shelter is needed for the crop by the time the first frost begins.

Protection against frost is a two-level shelter system:

1. The soil is mulched with pine needles or sawdust.
2. The aerial part is covered with plastic wrap or agrofiber.

By the end of November the trees should be covered. Before that, they are treated with Bordeaux mixture and spilled. To insulate the trunk, additional windings with agrofibre are used.

Disease and pests

Fruit and berry crops of stone type often get moniliosis. This fungal-type disease is spread by bees and infects trees during flowering. The main signs of moniliosis:

• damaged, withered leaves;
• falling buds;
• yellowing.

Agricultural technicians have developed a plan that includes a phased processing of trees. First, peaches are treated with fungicides, then sprayed with solutions containing potassium, phosphorus.

Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that affects peach leaf blades, shoots and fruits.Young trees are most susceptible to this disease. The first sign of the appearance of powdery mildew: a whitish coating on different parts. Then the leaves begin to roll into tubes, white spots appear on the resulting fruits, resembling mold. Peaches begin to rot, part of the crop becomes unfit for food.

The pores of the fungus can overwinter in the soil at low temperatures, so the fight against powdery mildew is reduced to the destruction of infected parts of the plant, the remaining ones are treated with a solution of colloidal sulfur.

Many fruit crops are attacked by aphids. Aphid is a small pest that breeds on the underside of leaf plates, eats buds. To get rid of the parasite, use folk remedies. A good method is treatment with soapy solutions, as well as tobacco infusion.

Peach breeding

When choosing a variety, it is necessary to take into account the ability of a peach to self-pollinate. With self-pollination, amateurs can propagate peaches by cuttings. This is the most effective and easiest way, when a cutting is separated from the main tree, rooted and planted in a permanent place for further growth.

Harvest and storage of crops

Peaches reach technical ripeness by mid-July. From this moment, the phased collection of fruits begins. The ripening of each individual fruit can be uneven, so gardeners recommend focusing on the appearance of the peach.

For long-term storage choose not fully ripe fruits. They can ripen within 2 weeks at temperatures from 0 to +5 degrees. At room temperature, peaches, depending on the variety, can be stored for 5 to 10 days. For longer storage, the fruits are individually wrapped in parchment paper and placed on the flooring of wooden boxes.

Advice! Plastic bags are not suitable for storing peaches. The resulting condensation contributes to the decay of the fruit.

Proper care and selection of a hybrid variety allows you to grow peach trees in areas that, at first glance, are not suitable for growing sun fruit.

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