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Elberta PeachPrunus persica 'Elberta'

  • Elberta Peach - Prunus persica
Most popular of all peaches. This yellow freestone is juicy, ideal for eating, canning and freezing. Fruit trees need a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight daily and regular water. They are not drought-tolerant. (self-fertile) (zones 5-9)

Hardiness Zones

The elberta peach can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5–9. View Map

Tree Type

Mature Size

The standard Elberta peach grows to a height of 15–25' and a spread of around 15–20' at maturity. The dwarf variety grows to a height of 8–10' with a spread of up to 10'.

Growth Speed Fast Growth Rate

This tree grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The Elberta peach grows well in sandy and well-drained soils. It is not drought-tolerant.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Produces juicy, yellow freestone fruit with a crimson blush--ideal for eating, canning, freezing and jam making.
  • Yields ripe fruit typically from late July to early August, though may be 4–6 weeks later in colder climates.
  • Is self-fertile but provides a better crop when planted in multiples.
  • Begins to bear large crops at ages 3–4 and reaches full potential at ages 8–12.
  • Blooms in the spring, with a profusion of dark pink to purple flowers.
  • Is available in standard and dwarf sizes. Our standard Elberta seedlings are budded to Nemaguard rootstock, and our dwarf seedlings are grafted to Prunus besseyi (Sand Cherry). Dwarf trees should be staked to help them bear the weight of the fruit and prevent leaning.
  • Has a chill hours (CU) requirement of 800–950. (Chill hours are the average hours of air temperature between 32° and 45° F in a typical winter season.)
  • Grows in a rounded shape.

Wildlife Value

The fruit of peach trees are attractive to birds and squirrels.

History/Lore

This variety of peach was first introduced to the world around 1875 by Samuel H. Rumph. The tree, which first grew in his family’s orchard in Macon County, Georgia, was a result of an Early Crawford pollenating a Chinese Cling. A visitor had asked the name of the variety. Because Rumph had no answer, she promptly named it after his wife (Clara Elberta Moore).