Hale Haven Peach Tree

The Hale Haven Peach Tree is a vigorous and productive heirloom peach known for its large, flavorful fruit. Its peaches have yellow skin covered with an attractive red blush and juicy yellow flesh with a rich, sweet flavor.

Hale Haven produces freestone peaches that are excellent for fresh eating, canning, freezing, preserves, cobblers and other homemade desserts. It is a high-chill variety intended for areas with reliably cold winters.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Prunus persica ‘Halehaven’
• Common Name: Hale Haven Peach
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
• Parentage: J.H. Hale × South Haven
• Chill Requirement: Approximately 850–900 chill hours
• Climate Classification: High-chill peach
• Growth Habit: Vigorous, rounded and productive
• Mature Height: Approximately 12–15 feet when maintained
• Mature Width: Approximately 12–15 feet
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Daily Sunlight: At least 6–8 hours
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Flower Color: Pink
• Harvest Season: Midseason; timing varies by location and climate
• Fruit Size: Medium to large
• Fruit Skin: Yellow to orange-yellow with a red blush
• Flesh Color: Yellow
• Flesh Type: Juicy, tender and flavorful
• Pit Type: Freestone when fully ripe
• Flavor: Sweet, juicy and low in acidity
• Uses: Fresh eating, canning, freezing, preserves, cobblers and desserts

Halehaven originated from a cross between J.H. Hale and South Haven. University sources describe it as a vigorous, productive tree that produces medium-to-large yellow freestone peaches with juicy, flavorful flesh.

Fruit and Flavor

Hale Haven produces medium-to-large peaches with yellow or orange-yellow skin covered by an attractive red blush.

The yellow flesh is juicy, sweet and flavorful, with relatively low acidity. The fruit is generally freestone when fully ripe, meaning the flesh separates easily from the pit.

Hale Haven is considered an excellent all-purpose peach. The fruit can be enjoyed fresh and is also suitable for canning, freezing, drying, preserves and baked desserts.

Pollination

Hale Haven is self-fertile, so one tree can produce fruit without another peach variety nearby.

A second peach tree is not required for cross-pollination. However, bees and other pollinating insects help move pollen among the flowers and can improve fruit set.

Harvest Season

Hale Haven is generally considered a midseason peach. Historical Auburn University information reports that it ripens approximately two weeks before Elberta under suitable growing conditions.

The exact harvest date will depend on location, winter temperatures, spring weather and growing conditions.

North Florida Growing Note

Hale Haven requires approximately 850–900 chill hours. This is considerably more winter chilling than varieties bred and recommended for dependable peach production in Florida.

The University of Florida peach-breeding program primarily develops cultivars requiring approximately 100–450 chill hours. Because Hale Haven’s requirement is much higher, it may grow in the Florida Panhandle but may not bloom or produce fruit reliably following mild winters.

When a peach tree does not receive enough winter chill, it may experience delayed leaf growth, uneven flowering, poor fruit set and reduced production.

Hale Haven is better suited to colder parts of Alabama, Georgia and other areas that regularly receive enough winter chilling. Customers in North Florida should consider lower-chill varieties for more dependable fruit production.

Disease Considerations

Hale Haven is susceptible to bacterial spot and may also be vulnerable to brown rot. These diseases can be especially challenging in warm, humid climates.

Proper pruning, good air circulation, sanitation and timely preventive treatments are important for maintaining healthy trees and fruit. Disease susceptibility is another reason Hale Haven may require additional care in the humid Southeast.

Planting and Care

Plant Hale Haven in full sun where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.

Choose a location with excellent drainage. Peach trees do not tolerate standing water or continuously wet roots. Avoid low areas where water collects after heavy rain.

Train the tree to an open-center or vase shape with three to four main scaffold branches. This allows sunlight and air to reach the center of the tree and makes harvesting and routine care easier.

Thin young peaches when they are approximately nickel-sized, leaving about 6–8 inches between fruit. Proper thinning improves fruit size and helps prevent branches from breaking under the weight of a heavy crop.

Prune annually while the tree is dormant because peaches produce fruit primarily on wood grown during the previous season.

Local Pickup and Limited Shipping

Most plants and trees are available for local pickup at our nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Limited shipping may be available for select smaller plants and trees. Please contact us before ordering if shipping is required. Shipping charges are separate and are not included in the online price.

Wholesale Availability

Wholesale availability may be offered to nurseries, landscapers and other plant professionals. Please contact us for current sizes, quantities and wholesale pricing.

Advanced Nursery Growers LLC
1911 McLeod Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Phone: (850) 391-2228
Email: info@advancednurserygrowers.com