With so many peach varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones to plant. The same peach tree varieties are not recommended for every part of the state.

Chill Hours

Peach trees need a certain number of chill hours to be productive. Chill hours are the amount of cold weather needed for a plant to resume normal growth in the spring. Chill hours are accumulated at temperatures below 45 degrees F and measured from October 1 to February 15.

If a peach with a low chill hour requirement is planted in north Alabama, the tree will bloom too early and will most likely be affected by frost/freeze events. If a peach with a high chill hour requirement is planted in south Alabama, the tree will not grow properly in the spring, resulting in no fruit or sometimes tree death. A grower must choose a peach variety that is best suited for their location.

Varieties

Most varieties that are recommended for central Alabama have chilling requirements of 650 to 850 hours. Other factors to consider are harvest dates, flesh color, cling (flesh that attaches tightly to the pit), and freestone (flesh that slips from the pit).

Recommended early season peaches for central Alabama include Rich May, Carored, Springprince, Rubyprince, Caroking, Juneprince, Garnet Beauty, Gala, Sureprince, and June Gold.

Recommended mid-season peaches for central Alabama include Redhaven, Challenger, Harvester, Southern Pearl (white peach), Fireprince, Nectar (white peach), Intrepid, Blazeprince, Winblo, Bounty, Julyprince, Redglobe, Loring, White River (white peach), and Ruston Red.

Recommended late-season peaches for central Alabama include Jefferson, Early Augustprince, Augustprince, Flameprince, Autumnprince, Monroe, and Big Red.

Peaches are self-fertile, so a grower could make fruit even if only one variety was planted. However, a grower could extend their harvest season by planting a few early season, mid-season, and late-season peach varieties.

More Information

Contact your local Alabama Extension office for more information on peaches.