The Contender Peach: A Cold-Hardy, Disease-Resistant Fruit Tree
Introduction
Are you looking for a peach tree that is easy to grow, disease-resistant, and produces delicious fruit? Look no further than the Contender peach tree! This variety is perfect for both experienced and beginner gardeners alike.
About the Contender Peach Tree
The Contender peach tree was developed at the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station in 1987. It is a cold-hardy variety that can tolerate sub-zero temperatures, making it a great choice for northern gardeners. Contender peach trees are also resistant to many common diseases, such as peach leaf curl and brown rot.
Benefits of Growing Contender Peaches
There are many benefits to growing Contender peaches, including:
- Delicious fruit: Contender peaches are medium to large in size and have a sweet, juicy flavor. They are perfect for eating fresh, canning, or baking.
- Disease resistance: Contender peach trees are resistant to many common diseases, which makes them easy to care for.
- Cold hardiness: Contender peach trees can tolerate sub-zero temperatures, making them a good choice for northern gardeners.
- Masses of pink blooms: In the spring, Contender peach trees produce masses of beautiful pink blooms. These blooms not only add beauty to your garden, but they also attract pollinators.
- Easy to grow: Contender peach trees are easy to grow and care for. They are self-pollinating, so you don’t need to plant multiple trees.
How to Grow Contender Peaches
To grow Contender peaches, you will need to:
- Choose the right location: Contender peach trees need at least six to eight hours of full sunlight per day. They also need well-drained soil.
- Plant the tree: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree deeply.
- Water the tree: Contender peach trees need about an inch of water per week. Water the tree deeply, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize the tree: Fertilize Contender peach trees in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune the tree: Prune Contender peach trees when they are dormant. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and thin out the canopy to allow for good air circulation.
Harvesting Contender Peaches
Contender peaches ripen in mid to late summer. To harvest the peaches, gently twist them from the tree. Do not pull on the peaches, as this can damage the tree.
Storing Contender Peaches
Contender peaches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To store the peaches, place them in a single layer in a plastic bag.
Conclusion
The Contender peach tree is a great choice for both experienced and beginner gardeners. It is easy to grow, disease-resistant, and produces delicious fruit. If you are looking for a peach tree to add to your garden, the Contender is a great option.
