Contender Peach

Prunus persica 'Contender'

Contender Peach trees are known for being cold-hardy and relatively disease resistant. This tree is great for cold climates and produces a medium-large fruit with a sweet, peachy flavor. This firm and juicy orange-red fruit is great for eating fresh, baking, and especially canning as it resists browning. Contender produces beautiful white to pink flowers in the spring. Resistant to leaf spot. Requires 1050 chilling hours.

Begins to bear fruit in 2 - 4 years.

Bare root
Sourced from NY

Growing tips

• If possible, select site with high elevation to allow cold air to drain away from the tree during bloom
• Prune and train the tree to allow for maximum sunlight exposure, maximum yield, and best quality. The open center system is recommended.
• Approximately three to four weeks after bloom, or when the largest fruit are as large as a quarter, remove excess fruits so that the remaining peaches are spaced about every 8 inches, to allow the fruit to develop optimum size, shape, and color, and prevent depletion of the tree.
• Add compost, manure, or fertilizer in the spring.
• Peaches typically ripen over a 7 to 10 day period in which fruit increase in size rapidly, soften, and the ground color changes to yellow orange. It is best to wait until fruit soften to the touch before harvesting as flavor will not improve once harvested.

Resources

Growing Peaches and Nectarines in the Home Landscape, Ohio State University Extension

How to Grow Peach Trees, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners