Late Ross Peach Tree

Better Late than never. The Late Ross boasts a ton of benefits you’ll love. Plus, the Late Ross Peach Tree is self-fertile, so you only need one tree to get fruit (though more trees will produce even bigger and better fruit).

1. Planting: Full sun and well-drained, fertile soil ensure your Late Ross Peach Tree will thrive. The Late Ross needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day during the growing season. To plant your Late Ross Peach Tree, dig each hole shallower than the root ball and at least twice the width. After the hole is finished, loosen the soil in the planting hole so the roots can break through easily. Then, place your tree, back fill the soil and water to settle the roots.

2. Watering: Your newly planted Late Ross Peach Tree should be watered about once weekly. However, if you get around an inch of rainfall every 10 days or so during the growing season, additional watering should be unnecessary.

If you’re not sure how much water the tree needs, check the soil about 2 or 3 inches down - if it's dry here, it's time to water.

3. Fertilizer: If you’re planting your Late Ross Peach Tree during the fall season, wait until the spring to use fertilizer. With nutrient-rich soil, fertilizer is unnecessary until your Late Ross Peach Tree begins bearing fruit. After your Late Ross Peach Tree starts bearing fruit, an application of high-nitrogen fertilizer is recommended.

4. Pruning: Prune your Late Ross Peach Trees each year during their dormant season. If you’re located in growing zones 6 or further up North, wait to prune your tree until the late winter. When you do prune, make sure you’re pruning the Late Ross Peach Tree in an 'open center' shape, which keeps the tree’s canopy open for light purposes. The best time to prune? Within 20 to 40 days of your Late Ross’s full bloom.

Prune your tree so that each remaining peach is spaced 6 to 8 inches apart on the branches. Leave the center bloom in each cluster since it develops into the largest fruit.

5. Harvesting: When their characteristic color is completely developed, your peaches are ripe. You should see no more traces of green, and when gently squeezed, your ripened peaches will have some give.