How to Grow and Care for Peaches Fruit Tree

A lovely fruit with delicious taste, peaches or peach which goes by the scientific name Prunus Persica, belongs to the family Rosaceae, and the genus Prunus. The plant is typically native to Northwest China, where its origin can be traced back to. The fruit is quite juicy and is a common favorite of many people. The plant Prunus Persica bears fruits with different characteristics, and peaches are one among them. The other variety is known as nectarines. Peach also comes from the same family as that of the much-loved rose plant. Even though it originated in China, peaches are now grown all across the world in warm temperate regions.

Features of Peach Plant

The features of the fruit and plant are described here. The peach plant not only produces yummy fruits, but it also bears incredibly beautiful flowers form which you can’t take your eyes odd. The flowers are usually produced in early springtime, and each flower will have about five petals. The leaves, on the other hand, are very long and are pinnately veined. Usually, the length of leaves can be between 7 and 16 centimeters, while its breadth varies from about 2 to 3 centimeters. The fruit of the plant either has a yellow-colored flesh or whitish flesh and depending on whether the skin is velvety or smooth, the fruit can be peaches or nectarines, respectively.

Health Benefits of Peaches

Some of the health benefits of the peach plant are as follows:

• They contain many nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – all of these are present in abundance. A single serving of a medium-sized peach fruit contains almost 58 calories. Antioxidants are hugely beneficial and help protect your body against various diseases, as well as many other issues related to aging.
• It has been found that both fresh peaches, as well as canned peaches, have almost the same amount of calories and other nutritional benefits.
• Peaches are known to improve the heart health of an individual. In fact, regularly eating peaches goes a long away and protects you from various heart-related illnesses.
• Peaches contain bout soluble and insoluble fiber and, therefore, can help in the better digestion of food inside your body. Peaches will also improve your overall gut health and reduce inflammation.
• Another important benefit is that peaches can help prevent certain types of cancer. This is because peaches are rich in two antioxidants that have non-cancer properties – these are carotenoids and caffeic acid.

How to Grow Peaches Plant

Now that we have piqued your interest with the various interesting facts about peaches let us now move on to how you can grow peaches. Here are some tips and tricks.

• Peaches need full sun. At least 6 hours of full and direct sun per day is recommended for their proper growth.
• It is important that while planting, the soil is moist enough. Peaches don’t fare well in dry soil.
• The plants can be typically planted when they are in a dormant state
• The soil should also be well-drained yet able to retain the required nutrients.

Since most peach plants are self-fertilizing, there isn’t much of a need for fertilizers. However, if you do want to apply it, then make sure not to apply them at the time of planting.