How to grow peaches

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Peaches are a summer fruit that grows in the southern and northern hemispheres and in regions with a temperate climate. The peach tree is considered a member of the rose fruit family, and it is a variety rich in vitamin A. It is not only eaten fresh, but dried and eaten as a dessert, and it is also eaten canned. The Spaniards transported the peach fruit to the world, but its first appearance was in China, then it moved across Asia to the Mediterranean countries, then to Europe. In the past, the peach fruit was limited to the nobility before it spread and grew on a large scale in the nineteenth century. The quality of the fruit has also improved as a result of grafting strains. Because of this, many types of this yellow fruit appeared, such as (Elbert, Redhaven Halford), and large commercial orchards appeared, and the yellow and white type is very popular in Europe. China, the United States, Italy, and Spain are considered among the largest peach producing countries, and the leaves are distinguished by The peach tree is spear-shaped and pointed at the end. It has glands at its base through which it secretes a liquid whose function is to attract insects. The flowers are arranged in the form of two to three knots, and their color is pink and sometimes white.

How to grow peaches

There are several types of peach plants, some of which are easier than others in the germination process, and there are types that produce more fruits than other types. Below is how to grow peaches, in addition to the important tips that must be followed when growing peaches:

• Choose an area with fertile soil and full sunlight, and avoid low-lying areas. This is because they are exposed to frost, which destroys peach trees.
• Choose the appropriate time, as trees are planted in the spring, and it is preferable to choose trees that are one year old.
• Removing the tree from its container if it is planted inside a container, and the circular roots branching from it must be cut before planting it in the soil.
• Place the tree in the soil in a curved manner, with the bulbs away from sunlight if the tree is grafted.
• Dig the hole to be a few inches deeper than the roots can spread, then place the tree in the middle of the hole. Make sure that the roots are far from the trunk, taking care not to bend them excessively. If the peach trees are of the dwarf type, the depth of the hole should be approximately 10-12 feet. If it is a standard-sized type, its depth will be 15-20 feet.
• Pile dirt around the hole. It must be moist, and care must be taken not to put excessive water on it. Because this causes the hole to rot and fall.
• Prepare the hole in which the seeds will be placed. It must be at room temperature and away from sunlight, if peaches are grown from seeds.
• Make the hole 7.5 cm deep, or three inches. After placing the seeds, the hole can be stored in a plastic cover until winter. Germination is checked after six weeks. It may take more than three months for the seeds to begin to appear.
• Transfer the plant to plant in the soil after a root of at least 1.3 cm length appears inside the hole.

Among the tips that must be followed when growing peaches:

• Pay attention to the soil acidity, which should be approximately 6.5.
• Use trees that are one year old, as advised by agricultural experts; This is because it has a stable root system.
• Fruit growth requires pollination, knowing that one tree is enough. This is because the pollen comes from the same flower.
• Always ensure that the area surrounding the tree is free of weeds.

Peach tree care

Here are some things that must be followed to care for peach trees:

• Pay attention to the number and quality of fruits that appear on the tree. To get rid of fruits damaged by insects and pecked by birds, and to allow new fruits to appear.
• Using fertilizer and mixing it with the soil is essential and helps the tree grow.
• Using an oil spray on the tree helps get rid of insects.
• Establish a spraying program, and follow the instructions on the cans to get the best results, as peach trees are considered short-lived if not properly cared for.

Pruning peach trees

Pruning peach trees is essential; It produces a larger crop, and peach trees begin to sprout in early winter and continue to do so until early spring. Pruning is done by removing dead and unhealthy branches and limbs, and it is also done in the parts of the tree where there is a lot of growth. This is to allow sunlight and air to enter the tree and help it grow. It must be pruned so that the branches are 26-30 inches long. It is worth noting that cutting the side branches that appear on peach trees ensures obtaining a better crop in terms of quality.

The nutritional value of peaches

Every 100 grams of peach fruit contains 88.87 grams of water and 39 calories. It also contains 0.91 of protein, 0.25 of fat, and 9.54 of carbohydrates. It also contains 1.5 grams of fiber and 8.39 of sugars. Many minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Peaches are rich in many vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin B6, in addition to thiamin, niacin, and fatty acid.