Peaches and nectarines are deciduous trees that grow rapidly to 20 feet tall or more and about as wide, however, they can be maintained at 12 to 15 feet. Trees start bearing fruit at 3 to 4 years old, reaching their peak around 12 years of age.
Pruning: The overall goal for peaches and nectarines is to develop an open center or vase-shaped tree to allow light to penetrate through the canopy and to enable you to pick fruit without a ladder.
Chill hours: Traditional peaches can require up to 1,000 chill hours (number of hours temperatures fall below 45°F) to produce high-quality fruit. Continuing efforts of researchers at the University of Florida have resulted in trees that require fewer amounts of chill hours. All peach trees sold at Rockledge Gardens have lower chilling requirements (300 hours or less) and are self-fertile.
**Residents in the southern part of Brevard County should choose varieties that require 200 chilling hours or less.
