Okay, maybe that's not what Depeche Mode sang, but still... Did you know that you can grow your own peaches at home with a tree in a pot? There are natural dwarf varieties of peach trees which produce full size fruit, but the trees remain smaller, generally less than 6 feet, especially if grown in a container. These are often referred to as “patio peaches.” Additionally, because most peach trees are self-fertile, meaning they don’t need a mate to pollinate in order to produce fruit, you may be able to grow just one. It should be noted that many do benefit from cross-pollination, however.
Peach trees are sun worshippers, so you’ll need to have a sunny patio, balcony, or other spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to keep your tree happy. Growing in a portable container makes it easy to move the tree to a sheltered area during inclement weather or sudden frost or winds. As peaches require about 400-500 chill hours, for the Southeast Georgia climate, you’ll want to choose a “low chill” variety that is appropriate for our growing zone (Zone 9). Some suggested varieties for our zone are Bonanza and Bonfire.
When properly cared for, the dense and shrubby, green-leafed Bonanza is vigorous and productive peach providers. Its freestone fruit can be harvested in late spring or early summer, about three months after its pretty pale pink blooms emerge. The Bonfire got its name from its leaves that are bright flame red in spring, turn a deep maroon through summer, and have copper highlights in fall. This hardy variety produces small, sweet clingstone fruit.
Once you’ve obtained your patio peach tree, choose a container that is large enough for your tree to grow into, but also expect that you may need to transplant it in the future to a larger pot. Repotting every two to three years is suggested. At the minimum, a 5-gallon container with drainage holes is recommended. Place the container on a tray filled with a few inches of gravel or pebbles to allow for better drainage. Fill the pot halfway with rich, loamy compost soil. Prep your tree by watering before planting. When you place the tree in the pot, fill with soil in and around the plant up to a couple of inches from the top of the container, making sure the graft line is not under the soil.
Grow Patio Peaches
Water the newly planted tree thoroughly. Water over the next few weeks as needed if soil is drying, but there’s no need to fertilize yet. Add mulch to give a finished look and retain moisture. Once established, water the tree deeply whenever the soil dries out, about every 5-7 days in the spring and up to every other day in the summer. You’ll want to apply a liquid fertilizer made for flower and fruit production (high in phosphorus) every couple weeks. Cut back the amount of water and fertilizer in late August or early September. This will slow the trees growth in preparation for winter. Be careful not to overwater while the fruit is ripening, though. Too much or inconsistent watering can cause fruit to split. When it comes to pruning, you’ll want to look for tips specific for the cultivar you have chosen. It’s best done during the tree’s dormant season (late winter to early spring). Maintaining good ventilation is important to prevent against rot and biological sprays can be helpful as preventatives against other disease, and pests.
Treat your patio peach tree sweet and it will give you sweet, juicy treats in return. That’s a peach of a deal!
