Description: Peach trees (Prunus persica) are deciduous fruit trees known for their delicious, juicy fruits. Peach varieties can have different characteristics in terms of fruit size, color, flavor, and texture. Generally, peach fruits have a fuzzy skin ranging from yellow to red, and the flesh can be yellow, white, or clingstone.

Size: Peach trees can vary in size depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions. Typically, they reach heights of 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.6 meters) and spreads of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) at maturity. However, dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are available, which are smaller and more suitable for smaller gardens or containers.

Best Growing Zones: Peach trees thrive in regions with warm, temperate climates. They are commonly grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, although specific cultivars may have different requirements. Peaches require a certain amount of winter chilling hours to break dormancy and set fruit, making them unsuitable for tropical or subtropical regions without sufficient chilling hours.

Soil and Sun Requirements: Peach trees prefer well-drained, loamy soil with good fertility. They thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production. Adequate sunlight helps promote vigorous growth, flowering, and fruiting.

Maintenance: Peach trees require regular pruning and maintenance to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Proper thinning of fruits is also important to promote larger and healthier fruits. Peach trees may benefit from regular irrigation during dry periods, especially during fruit development.