The Velvet peach is widely sought after due to its high yield, excellent taste, and attractive appearance. This variety has gained popularity due to its early fruiting and relatively easy care. Proper care is essential to truly appreciate its qualities.
The appearance of the tree
This medium-sized plant reaches 3-4 m in height. Its crown is compact and has an attractive spherical shape. The branches are arranged horizontally.
Fruits and their taste characteristics
The fruits are round in shape and have yellow skin with a delicate blush. The average weight of a peach is 13-140 g. The juicy, firm flesh has a slightly fibrous texture and a pleasant sweet-tart flavor. The aroma is medium in intensity.
Ripening and yield
Peach trees begin bearing fruit as early as the third year after planting. In May, the plant is covered in fragrant flowers. Velvet is a self-fertile variety, but the presence of a pollinator can increase the yield. The fruit ripens in late July. On average, one tree produces about 45 kg of fruit, and 334.3 centners per hectare.
Growing and care
Choose a sunny, wind-protected location with fertile, well-drained soil. The best time is spring or fall. Spring planting allows the seedlings to establish roots better and before the cold weather sets in.
Step-by-step instructions:
- The planting hole should be about 50-60 cm deep and wide.
- Place a drainage layer of gravel or broken brick at the bottom of the hole.
- Fill the hole with a mixture of fertile soil with the addition of humus and mineral fertilizers.
- Place the seedling in the hole so that the root collar is at ground level, carefully cover it with soil and water generously.
Perform the following agricultural practices:
- For successful growth, water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods. Water early in the morning or evening to prevent rapid evaporation. Young trees require more frequent watering, while mature trees require about once a week.
- Loosening the soil around the plant promotes better water and air penetration to the roots. Mulch the area around the tree trunk—this helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Trimming Trees should be pruned annually in early spring before the sap begins to flow. Crown shaping involves removing weak, diseased, and crossing branches. Horizontally arranged branches facilitate this process. Regular pruning also improves fruiting and increases the yield.
- Fertilization is an important aspect of peach cultivation. In the spring, apply nitrogen fertilizers to stimulate shoot growth. In the summer and fall, it's best to apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers to promote fruit bud formation and prepare the plant for winter.
- × Do not use cold water for watering, as this can cause stress to the root system, especially on hot days.
- × Avoid over-watering the soil, which can lead to root rot and the development of fungal diseases.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Velvet peach is a popular variety, prized for its flavor and attractive appearance. Like any other variety, it has its pros and cons, which should be considered when growing. Pros:
Cons:
Resistance to diseases and pests
The variety is rarely attacked by insects and is resistant to many diseases that plague the crop. This quality significantly simplifies the growing process, reducing the time and effort required to care for the tree.
- ✓ High sensitivity to sudden temperature changes, especially during the flowering period.
- ✓ Tendency to quickly recover from mechanical damage to the bark.
Review of reviews
The Velvet Peach is an excellent choice for gardeners willing to devote time to caring for the tree and providing it with the necessary conditions. The high yield and excellent taste of the fruit compensate for the effort required to grow this variety.