- Authors: selection Weinberger, USA
- Name synonyms: Frost
- Growth type: medium-sized
- Ripening period: mid-late
- Appointment: for fresh consumption, for canning
- Yield: high
- Marketability: high
- Transportability: high
- Growing regions: suitable for northern regions
- Separability of the bone from the pulp: good
Many summer residents, choosing a peach species for planting, prefer proven varieties with simple agricultural technology, which are famous all over the world. These include the mid-late American Frost variety.
Breeding history
Peach Frost is a relatively new variety, bred thanks to the painstaking work of American breeders, whose main task was to create a winter-hardy crop with quick adaptation to the climate. Peach culture Frost is a prominent representative of the Weinberger selection. Recommended for growing peach in all climatic zones of Russia, including the northern regions.
Description of the variety
Frost is a medium-sized tree with moderately spreading branches and a not very thick crown with light green leaves. The compact culture is characterized by a strong central trunk, flexible branches of a light brown color and a developed root system. The tree blooms later, in May. At this time, the crown is densely covered with medium-sized flowers that smell nice.
Fruit characteristics
The American Frost peach is a large-fruited variety. The weight of the fruits reaches 200 grams, but in the southern strip peaches grow larger - 220-250 g. The shape of the fruits is correct - rounded with a flat surface, on which a dense edge is visible. Ripe fruits are yellow-orange in color, diluted almost over the entire surface with a pale red blush. The peel of the fruit is quite dense, but without toughness.
The purpose of fruits is universal - they are eaten fresh, used in cooking, canned, processed. Once removed from the tree, the fruit can be transported even over long distances without loss of marketability. The fruit has a long shelf life - up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. The peaches are softened gradually.
Taste qualities
The fruit tastes excellent. The yellow-orange pulp is of medium density, slightly fibrous, tender, fleshy and juicy. The taste is dominated by bright sweetness without cloying, complemented by a strong fruit-honey aroma. Sometimes, during a rainy summer period, peaches acquire a pleasant sourness. The stone inside the fruit is easily separated from the pulp. Of particular value is the pulp of the fruit, which contains a huge amount of vitamins B, E, K, C, as well as tannins and pectin.
Ripening and fruiting
Frost is a tasty member of a mid-late ripening group. The culture begins to bear fruit in the 2-3rd year after planting. Fruiting time falls on the period from August 20. The tree bears fruit consistently and annually.
Yield
High yield is one of the advantages of the variety. Under favorable conditions, from one tree can be removed from 20 to 40 kg of juicy peaches per season.
Growing regions
The frost peach tree grows and bears fruit in different climatic zones of Russia. In addition, the tree is popular in Ukraine, as well as in many CIS countries.
Self-fertility and the need for pollinators
The variety is self-fertile, therefore it does not need pollinating trees. Additional cross-pollination, which is possible when planting donor trees on the site, can have a positive effect on the dynamics of yield.
Growing and care
It is better to plant a seedling in late March - early April, as soon as the weather stabilizes and warms a little. It is recommended to choose one / two-year seedlings with a height of 100-120 cm. When planting, the distance between trees must be observed - at least 3-4 meters, since the peach does not like shading.
Comprehensive peach tree care includes regular watering, fertilizing, sanitary pruning, crown formation, loosening and mulching the soil, preventing viruses and pests, and preparing for winter.
Frost resistance and the need for shelter
The fruit tree has high frost resistance, withstanding low temperatures of -25 ... 32 degrees, while it needs shelter for the winter. To do this, special pegs are driven in, and the tree trunk is wrapped in burlap or other special material. There is another option for shelter - a cardboard box is installed around the trunk and covered with a film.
Disease and pest resistance
The culture has good resistance to many diseases and pests. It is extremely rare for a tree to suffer from powdery mildew and curly leaves. As for the invasion of insects, the peach is attractive only for aphids, which will help to get rid of timely preventive treatments with insecticides.
Requirements for soil and climatic conditions
Loose, breathable, fertile soil with neutral or low acidity is optimal for the growth of the peach tree. The site should be on an easy hill, where there is access to air, heat and light, but the groundwater goes deep, since stagnant moisture can destroy the root system. Drafts, prolonged shade and dampness can negatively affect development.