Prunus persica Suncrest - Peach Tree

Prunus persica Suncrest is a hardy and self-fertile variety with rapid growth. It abundantly produces very large fruits (250 to 280 grams) with a fuzzy skin, speckled with yellow. Its yellow-orange flesh is melting, juicy and sweet, of excellent taste. Harvest takes place in August, and the fruits are consumed as they ripen. Susceptible to spring frosts, this peach prefers a warm, sunny, and protected exposure. It adapts well to ordinary, filtering, deep, and rich soil, but not to limestone or stagnant moisture. It is sensitive to peach leaf curl.

Prunus persica (Peach) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, originating from China in the Sichuan and Guizhou regions around 500 BC. Its appearance in Europe occurred in the 6th century and saw significant development in the 19th century. From then on, numerous selections aimed at improving the fruit's taste qualities took place. The Suncrest variety is the result of a crossbreeding of Gold Dust x Alanor, obtained in 1974 in the USA.

The Suncrest Peach forms a small fruit tree with a fairly upright structure that can reach 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) in height, with a diameter of about 3 metres (10 feet). Its habit is well suited to low forms (goblet shape) or espaliers. Its deciduous foliage consists of lanceolate leaves, 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long and 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) wide, with serrated and wavy edges, bright green, taking on yellow-orange autumn shades before falling. The leaves have a slight almond scent. In April, the pink flowers, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter, appear solitarily, before the leaves on the previous year's branches. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3°C. It is decorative spring flowering, particularly rich in nectar. The hardy tree, down to -15°C, is nevertheless susceptible to late spring frosts that damage its flowers and compromise fruiting. Self-fertile variety, not requiring other peach trees nearby for pollination.

Being very fragile, peaches are harvested by hand with delicacy. The fruits are consumed immediately after harvest. Delicious, peaches can be eaten fresh from the tree. They are ideal for making compotes, ice creams and sorbets, tarts, pastries, fruit or mixed salads, or as accompaniments to savoury dishes with meat (duck, rabbit, chicken, etc.) or fish (salmon, cod, etc.). They are also perfect for making juices or fruits in syrup. Rich in water, peaches refresh and quench thirst. Being very fleshy, they provide great satiety. Low in calories, they are rich in potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, with a significant iron content. Their vitamin C and B content, as well as their antioxidants and fibre, make peaches a health asset. They are invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored for a week in a cool place, away from light.

In the category of Peaches - Nectarines, Prunus persica Suncrest is a variety known for the taste quality of its fruit. Like many fruit trees, it prefers rich, deep, and well-drained soils. It prefers an exposure in full sun, sheltered from draughts and cold winds. A southeast or southwest exposure suits it perfectly. In regions that frequently experience late spring frosts, the peach tree can be espaliered against a south-facing wall. Very popular thanks to its fruit, the peach tree brings pleasure to young and old in the garden. With a wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits your taste.