Prunus persica Sanguine de Ferlay - Vineyard Peach Tree

The Sanguine de Ferlay Peach is a vigorous vine peach variety with rapid fruiting and good floribundity, which may require thinning of the flowers to limit the number of fruits and thus increase their size and quality. Fairly large in size, the fruit is round, slightly oblong, with a more or less dark reddish colour, and moderately fuzzy. Its flesh is white and sanguineous, juicy, tender, and fruity. The fruits are harvested from early September and consumed as they ripen. The flowering can be sensitive to spring frosts, which is why a sunny and sheltered environment is more suitable. A well-draining, deep, and rich soil without limestone or stagnant moisture is ideal for its development.

The Prunus persica (Peach tree) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, originating from China in the regions of Sichuan and Guizhou around 500 BC. It appeared in Europe in the 6th century and experienced significant development in the 19th century. From there, numerous selections aiming to improve the fruit's taste qualities took place. The Vine Peach, as its name suggests, was once cultivated in vineyards. The presence of white spots on its leaves indicated the arrival of powdery mildew. Furthermore, during the harvest season, the picking of juicy peaches refreshed the harvesters.

The 'Sanguine de Ferlay' variety is the discovery of Mr. Ferlay, an arborist from Chaponost (Rhône), who named this variety 'Précoce Ferlay' to distinguish it from 'Tardive Ferlay', another variety of the same sanguine peach also selected by Mr. Ferlay. This peach tree forms a small tree with a fairly upright structure that can reach a height of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet), with a diameter of about 2.50 to 3.50 meters. Its habit is well suited for low forms (goblet shape) or espaliers. Its foliage consists of lanceolate leaves, 8 to 15 cm long and 3 to 4 cm wide, with toothed and wavy edges, bright green in colour, taking on yellow-orange autumnal hues before falling. The leaves have a slight almond scent and emit a gentle fragrance. Towards the end of March, pink flowers, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter, appear solitary, before the leaves on the previous year's branches. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3°C. It is a remarkably decorative flowering in spring, and particularly honey and nectar-rich. It is a hardy tree down to -15°C, but is susceptible to late spring frosts that damage its flowers and compromise fruiting. Self-fertile variety, not requiring other peach trees nearby for pollination, but the presence of another peach tree will improve fertility.

The 'Sanguine Ferlay' peaches are harvested over the first fifteen days of September, varying depending on the region, as they ripen. Peaches being very fragile, they are delicately handpicked. The fruits are consumed immediately after harvest. Delicious and tasty, peaches can be eaten fresh right after picking. They are ideal for making compotes, ice creams, sorbets, tarts, pastries, fruit salads, or as an accompaniment to savory dishes with meat (duck, rabbit, chicken, etc) or fish (salmon, cod, etc). They are also perfect for making juice or fruit syrups. Being rich in water, peaches are refreshing and thirst-quenching. With their fleshy texture, they provide a feeling of satiety. Low in calories, they are rich in potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, with a significant iron content. Their content of vitamins C and B, antioxidants, and fiber make peaches a health asset. They are invigorating, energizing, and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored for one week in a cool place, protected from light.

Like many fruit trees, peach trees thrive in rich, deep, and well-drained soils. They do not tolerate excess water, very clayey or compact soils, nor limestone soils. They prefer a sunny exposure, sheltered from drafts and cold winds. A southeast or southwest exposure suits them perfectly. In regions that frequently experience late spring frosts, peach trees can be espaliered against a south-facing wall. Being very popular due to their fruits, peach trees find their place in the garden for the enjoyment of young and old alike. In the category of Peach Trees - Nectarine Trees, among a wide range of varieties, it is easy to choose the one that best suits your needs.