Peach trees are a delicious addition to any home orchard. Their sweet, juicy fruit ripens in summertime, perfect for eating fresh, making jams, or using in baked goods. If you’re considering planting a peach tree, you may be wondering when the best time to plant is. Can you plant peach trees in the fall?
The short answer is yes, fall can be an ideal time for planting peach trees in many regions Planting in fall allows the roots to establish through winter before the demands of spring growth. However, the specific fall planting window depends on your climate and peach variety
In this article, we’ll go over the key factors to consider when planting peach trees in fall and provide tips for success.
Why Fall Can Be Good for Planting Peach Trees
Fall planting takes advantage of natural seasonal cycles for the following reasons
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Soil moisture – Fall and winter rains reduce watering needs while roots establish. Less irrigation maintenance is required.
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Mild weather – Cooler fall temperatures are easier for young trees to cope with compared to summer heat
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Reduced leaf growth – With less top growth in fall, more resources go to developing the roots before spring.
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Winter hardening – Exposure to shorter days and cooler weather in fall helps deciduous trees go dormant and harden off for winter.
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Pest avoidance – Planting later in fall allows avoiding peak activity periods of certain insects and diseases.
As long as the tree has enough time to settle in before winter dormancy, planting in fall can give peach trees a healthy head start come spring.
Fall Planting Considerations by Climate
Where you live and your local weather patterns will determine the ideal fall planting window for peach trees.
Hot Climates
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Plant from early fall after summer heat subsides through late fall before cold weather begins.
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Avoid planting during hottest times from June to August.
Temperate Climates
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Plant after Labor Day when daytime highs are in the 70s°F through October.
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Get trees in the ground at least 6-8 weeks before first frost date.
Cool Climates
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Plant in early fall no later than September to allow for root growth before ground freezes.
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Mulch well to insulate roots from hard freezes.
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Be prepared to water during dry periods of early winter.
All Climates
- Do not plant if ground is frozen or extremely soggy. Wait until spring thaw.
Monitor weather forecasts in your area and adjust fall planting dates accordingly. Container-grown trees can be planted later into fall since their roots are protected.
Choose the Right Peach Type and Variety
Along with timing, selecting suitable peach types and varieties for your location will ensure planting success:
Peach Types
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Freestone – Flesh releases cleanly from pit. Best for fresh eating and freezing.
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Clingstone – Flesh clings tightly to pit. Ideal for canning and cooking.
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Nectarines – Smooth-skinned peaches, more cold hardy. Great fresh, frozen, or cooked.
Recommended Varieties
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Northern – Reliance, Madison, Elberta, Red Haven
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Mid-Atlantic – Babygold 7, Encore, Messina, PF 24C
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Southeast – Flordaprince, Tropic Sweet, UFBest
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Southwest – Elegant Lady, June Gold, La Feliciana, Scarlet Pearl
Prioritize disease resistance when selecting varieties for your region. Chilling hour requirements for dormancy should also match your winter durations.
Follow Proper Planting Procedures
When planting peach trees in fall:
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Dig holes wider than root ball with good drainage. Amend soil if needed.
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Set the root crown at original nursery soil level. Don’t plant too deep.
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Water thoroughly after planting, but avoid soggy soil.
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Stake tree for support until established.
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Apply 2-3” organic mulch avoiding contact with trunk.
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Prune any damaged roots and branches after planting.
If rains are lacking, irrigate deeply once a week during dry periods. Continue occasional watering until the ground freezes.
Container vs. Bare Root Planting
Bare root trees need to be planted immediately upon delivery in fall before they break dormancy. Container trees have more flexibility since their roots are protected by soil. Potted peaches can be planted fall through early winter depending on your climate.
Ease the Transition with Care and Protection
Proper care after planting in fall prevents shock and keeps trees healthy:
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Monitor soil moisture and water when dry. Prioritize fall watering.
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Stake and secure trees if windy until fully rooted.
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Paint thin trunks white to prevent sunscald.
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Apply dormant spray for overwintering pest protection.
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Surround trunks with hardware cloth to deter rodents.
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Mulch well around trees for insulation.
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Consider tree guards or fencing if deer browsing is an issue.
With the right peach varieties selected for your area and proper planting technique, you can expect successful fruiting trees by planting in the fall season. Pay close attention to irrigation, protection from frost and pests, and general care taking during establishment. Going into winter well-rooted and dormant will start your peach trees off right once spring arrives.
Planting Peach Trees in Hardiness Zones 7 and Below
For bare root trees in zones 7 and below, the best time to plant them is when the ground thaws and the tree goes to sleep. This means early spring. If you plant in the fall, the trees might not make it through a harsh winter because their roots haven’t had time to grow. In the summer the low moisture and high heat may cause stress and damage. Therefore you can plant once the ground thaws and there is no rain or snow. Depending on your region, this can be anytime between February to May. You have more options when you plant in a container instead of bare root because you can use the soil that the roots have already grown in. But be careful in the winter, even if you have a container, because the ground shouldn’t be frozen and shouldn’t be too wet.
Best Time to Plant Peach Trees Video
When is the best time to plant peach trees? For bare root trees, the short answer is early spring. The longer answer is that it depends on where you live, the weather, and whether the tree is bare root or in a pot.
FALL is the BEST TIME to plant a Fruit Tree because of this…
FAQ
What month is best to plant peach trees?
Is September too late to plant a peach tree?
Can I plant peaches in the fall?
Is it okay to plant a fruit tree in the fall?
Should you plant peach trees in the fall?
Planting peach trees in the fall reduces the risk of transplant shock, increases growth production, and reduces water needs. True, fall planting is less exhilarating than planting in spring because the growing season isn’t just around the corner.
Do peach trees need to be pruned in the fall?
However, container peach trees still benefit from fall planting. Usually, fruit trees are pruned upon planting. If you plant your peach trees in the fall, PennState University recommends pruning them before bud break in the spring. Trees are more sensitive to injury after pruning so waiting until spring is safer.
Can you plant a peach tree?
Planting a peach tree successfully requires more than simply buying one from a garden center and planting it in your yard. Without proper foresight, planning, and understanding, the tree is unlikely to flourish. No one enjoys failure, so let’s make sure that you are on the right track when planting a new peach tree.
Should you loosen a peach tree before planting?
Loosening and spreading the roots of a new peach tree before planting helps to anchor the tree more firmly in the ground and makes it easier for the tree to adapt to its new environment. Gently teasing out the roots allows for more of the roots to contact fresh soil, which leads to better nutrient uptake and growth.
