Peach, Tropic Snow
Scientific Name: Prunus persica
History/general species info: Peach Trees, although originally attributed to Persia by botanists, actually originated in China and have been cultivated for 3000 years for their fruits. Tropic Snow is the direct result of a breeding collaboration between the University of Florida and Texas A & M University.
Characteristics: Super sweet, medium-sized, low acid peach for low chill areas. Fruit ripens mid-May. Skin is yellow with a blush of red. Fruit flesh is white and freestone.
Flower: yes; pink, very fragrant
Planting / Care: Full sun, rich-loamy, slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Needs regular deep watering. Aggressive surface mulching covering the root zone helps to retain soil moisture in the hot summer. However, when mulching any tree, leave a few inches of space at the base of the trunk free from mulch. Does not tolerate flooding or standing water. Give a complete fertilizer (N-P-K) at bud break (sometime around March). Do not fertilize at planting. When new growth appears spread 1/2 pound of dry fertilizer around the root zone for each year of the trees life, (with up to 5 pounds total for a full-size tree).
Size and Spacing: height: 18’
Pollinator needed to bear fruit: self-pollinating
Links:
Herman Auer answers question on peaches and plums:
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/herman_auer_answers_questions.htm
Fruit and Nut Production – Peaches
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/files/2015/04/peaches_2015.pdf
