Contender Peach Tree
Contender Peach is likely the most cold hardy of any peach variety and very late blooming as well! For growers in the far north where temperatures can reach all the way down to -40° F, Contender is the peach for you. And its not just cold hardy, fruits have bright yellow freestone flesh with super sweet and extra juicy flesh. Ripens in mid to late August and is useful for canning, baking and freezing as well as a delicious fresh eater.
Help your bare roots grow with the Transplanting Bundle found here.
Latin Name: Prunus persica
Site and Soil: Peaches and Nectarines like full to 1/2 day sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description: Lovell
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 40° F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 10-15 ft. in height.
Taste: Very sweet and juicy
Fruit Skin: Red
Fruit Flesh: Bright yellow
Bloom Time: Mid March – Early April
Ripening Time: Mid August
Yield: 50+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: The foliage of Peaches and Nectarines can be damaged by Peach Leaf Curl. Plant resistant varieties or spray with copper 2 to 3 times during the winter. Clear, copper colored exudations on the trunk and branches are symptoms of bacterial canker. Copper sprays will also help protect your tree from this disease.
USDA Zone: 4-8