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Redhaven peach is a hybrid variety that is recommended for the central regions of Russia. In addition, growing in colder areas, the southern plant does not lose the qualities that define the variety. It is these traits that motivate gardeners to grow fruit crops in their own gardens.
History of variety selection
In 1940, a new fruit tree appeared in the US state of Michigan. Scientists and breeders from the American State University, based on a project by Dr. Stanley Jones, developed a mid-early variety of Redhaven peach. And this is not surprising, since 70% of the territory of this country is planted with peaches for commercial purposes. This variety has become the standard and prototype of modern subspecies. Some time later, his early hybrid was obtained - the Early Redhaven peach.
In 1992, the tree was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation. The Redhaven peach is recommended for cultivation in the North Caucasus region.
Description of the Redhaven peach variety
The tree is tall, reaches a height of up to 5 m, a width of 10 m. The crown is leafy, spherical in shape. The bark is brownish-brown in color, highly cracked. The average size of the shoots, length 55 cm, thickness 0.5 cm. Internodes are average. On the sunny side, the color of the shoots is burgundy. Vegetative buds are small, cone-shaped. Generative buds are elongated towards the apex, drooping is partial.
The foliage is dark green, large: 15–18 cm long, 3–4 cm wide. The surface is glossy, the shape is lance-shaped and elongated. The leaf blade is medium wavy, not leathery, the central vein is clearly visible. Along the edges of the leaf there is a finely serrated border. Petioles are 9–10 mm long. Stipules are short.
The flowers are solitary, 22 mm in diameter, bell-shaped. The color of the inflorescences is light pink. There are 5 petals per flower, all of them are medium in size, 9x5 mm, oval with a bladed base. The calyx is orange on the inside and dark green with a red tint on the outside. The flowers have a pleasant aroma and adhere firmly to annual shoots.
The fruits of the Redhaven variety are large, weighing 120–160 g, sometimes there are specimens weighing up to 200 g. The shape is round, slightly flattened at the edges. Pedicel 8–10 mm. The skin is dense, slightly velvety, and can be easily removed from the fruit. The peach is a deep orange color with a washed out burgundy blush. The pulp is sweet, tender, juicy. The bone inside is small, easily separated, and has a reddish tint. The presented description of Redhaven peaches can be seen in the photo.
Characteristics of the Redhaven peach
The fruit tree has been growing for about 40 years in one area. Fruits appear on the tree in the 3rd year after planting. The variety shows high productivity in the 5th year.The determining factor in the ripening of Redhaven peaches is the growing climate zone.
Frost resistance of Redhaven peach
The frost resistance of the fruit tree of the Redhaven variety is high. It can withstand frost down to -25 °C, which allows you to do without shelter in the southern regions. Not afraid of late spring frosts. It is necessary to note the high drought resistance of the variety. The fruit tree can be grown in dry areas with arid climates. However, the Redhaven peach reacts quite poorly to drafts and strong gusts of wind.
Does the variety need pollinators?
The description of the Redhaven peach indicates that the variety is self-pollinating. Formally, the tree is capable of bearing fruit without external pollinators, but in practice this is quite rare. To obtain good results, it is necessary to plant next to other trees whose flowering moment coincides with the Redhane variety. These can be the following subspecies of peaches: Ambassador of Peace, Gift of Kyiv, Favorite, In Memory of Shevchenko.
Productivity and fruiting
The Redhaven peach fruiting period begins in late July, but this may vary depending on the region. The fruits ripen unevenly, so harvesting continues for 30–40 days. From one tree you can collect from 40–100 kg of fruit - it all depends on the age of the tree and the correct implementation of agrotechnical recommendations.
The taste of the Redhaven peach is rated as high. Dry substances - 14.4%, sugars - 9.8%, acids - 0.82%, ascorbic acid - 4.19 mg per 100 g.
Area of application of fruits
Thanks to its thick skin, the Redhaven fruit tolerates transportation well even over long distances. Slight omission prevents integrity and damage. Redhaven peaches do not wrinkle, and the presentation remains the same as in the photo. But for transportation, it is preferable to pick the fruits a few days before the onset of technical maturity.
At room temperature, ripe fruits can be stored for 2–3 days. If the peaches are placed in a container or paper bags and placed in the refrigerator, the period will increase to 7-8 days. Redhaven fruit will be stored longer in the basement at a temperature of 0–2 °C if all recommended conditions are followed.
Redhaven peaches are eaten fresh, used in fruit salads, fresh juices, and canned and frozen. Prepared compotes from these fruits are rated 4.5 points, and the taste of jam is 4.8 points. They also prepare jams, jellies, and all kinds of desserts.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Peaches of the Redhaven variety have average resistance to curl and weak resistance to powdery mildew and cluster blight. Therefore, preventive measures for this crop are necessary. If treatment is not carried out on time, the weakened plant will be colonized by harmful insects, in particular aphids, codling moths, and weevils.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
If we take into account the reviews of experienced gardeners involved in growing peaches, we can determine the strengths and weaknesses of the Redhaven variety:
- considerable productivity;
- drought resistance, frost resistance;
- excellent taste of fruits;
- compact crown;
- tree lifespan;
- transportability.
The disadvantages of the fruit tree include:
- poor resistance to curl, cluster blight, powdery mildew;
- the need to ration the number of fruits - branches can break under their weight.
Rules for planting peach
Following planting recommendations is the first step to producing juicy, appetizing, and large Redhaven peach fruits. A correctly carried out procedure will allow the plant to reduce the time it takes to adapt to a new location.
Recommended timing
Redhaven peach planting begins in mid-April. Then the air temperature at night will be +10–+ 15 °C, and spring frosts will be behind us. By this time, the soil will have already warmed up, which is ideal for planting a heat-loving crop. In heated and fertilized soil, the root system quickly adapts and begins to grow. In the first year after planting, the young tree lays vegetative buds for further crown formation.
Choosing a suitable location
The area for placing the Redhaven peach should be flat and well-lit. The sun should fall on the tree throughout the day, since this factor affects the growth and amount of sugar in the fruit. Do not plant it in the shade of other trees or buildings. It would be useful to protect the fruit crop from the winds. There should be a fence or shelter nearby that will protect the peach from drafts.
According to reviews, the Redhaven peach grows well in fertile, light, breathable soils. Prefers loam as a soil. The tree should not be planted in lowlands or swampy areas where groundwater is close. Peach will also not grow in acidic soils.
Selection and preparation of planting material
The survival rate directly depends on the condition of the planting material. Experienced gardeners do not recommend purchasing Redhaven peach varieties online, choosing seedlings based on photos. It is advisable to purchase them in specialized stores, while paying attention to the following nuances:
- age;
- the roots must be elastic, flexible, free from rot and damaged areas;
- absence of sagging on the root collar;
- well-formed, defect-free standard;
- bark without obvious damage.
The most viable are annual seedlings.
Landing algorithm
The landing procedure is as follows:
- Dig a hole of standard dimensions 1x0.7 m. The distance between neighboring trees should be 3–4 meters.
- The hole is filled 1/3 with fertilizers (humus, ash, superphosphate) mixed with soil, and 2 buckets of warm water are poured on top. This procedure is performed if the soil has not been fertilized in advance.
- After absorbing water, the seedling is lowered into the hole.
- The roots are carefully spread to the sides.
- Sprinkle with earth so that the root collar is 6–7 cm above the ground.
- The last stage is watering. A tree trunk circle is formed. 3 buckets of water are poured under each bush.
- When the liquid is absorbed, the ground around the perimeter of the bush is sprinkled with mulch. Peat or compost are good for this.
- Redhaven peach seedlings are pruned to form a crown type.
Peach aftercare
Further measures for caring for the Redhaven peach include timely pruning, watering, fertilizing, and protection from rodents.
In early spring, thinning pruning of the crown is carried out, which helps to increase the weight and number of fruits, and also prevents the development of infectious diseases.It is better to perform the procedure before the sap flow begins. After 3 years, they begin to artificially form the crown of the Redhaven peach, which can be cup-shaped or palmette-shaped. By choosing the latter option, you can get an earlier and more abundant harvest.
When watering, special attention should be paid to periods of vegetative growth and formation of ovaries; the norm is 20 liters per tree. At other times, there is no urgent need for hydration. Therefore, it will be enough to water the Redhaven peach once every 10–14 days with one bucket of water. After the moisture has dried, loosening the soil is necessary for better air exchange.
The amount of fertilizing is directly proportional to the number of waterings. In the fall, it is recommended to add humus and complex mineral preparations. In spring - nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.
The Redhaven peach variety is considered frost-resistant, but in the conditions of the Moscow region, where winter temperatures drop below -25 ° C, the tree may suffer. Therefore, insulation is required. Synthetic, airtight or natural material is suitable for wrapping branches. The tree trunk circle is covered with a layer of mulch. To protect against rodents and insect pests, the tree trunk is whitewashed and tied with fine mesh for the winter.
Diseases and pests, control methods and prevention
The main diseases of the Redhaven peach are:
- Leaf curl – a fungal disease, the symptoms of which are wounds, reddish swellings, gum on the leaves. Treatment involves treating the crown with copper sulfate, then with the drug "Horus", and after flowering - with "Polycarbocin".
- Moniliosis characterized by damaged leaves, dry ovaries, and the formation of gray and dark spots on the fruits. The disease is treated during the period before and after flowering with the drug “Nitrafen”.
- Fruit rot - a disease that can harm already harvested fruits. Systemic fungicides are used to eliminate fungal infections.
The Redhaven peach is resistant to pest attacks, but there are unfavorable conditions when they are numerous and dangerous. Insecticide preparations will help cope with them.
Conclusion
The Redhaven peach will become a favorite and sought after fruit tree in the garden. The pleasant taste of the fruit will appeal to even the most demanding housewives, and a large harvest will be enough not only for homemade preparations, but also for sale.
