$69.00
The Harvester Peach Tree is a vigorous and productive peach variety known for its attractive red-blushed fruit, yellow flesh and dependable crops in suitable climates.
Released by the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station in 1973, Harvester became one of the most widely planted peach varieties in the southeastern United States. It is valued for fresh eating, preserving, baking and canning.
Plant Details
University and Extension sources list Harvester as a 700- to 750-chill-hour, yellow-fleshed, freestone peach that generally ripens during June in suitable southeastern locations.
Fruit and Flavor
Harvester produces attractive peaches with a yellow to orange background and a dark red blush covering much of the skin.
The yellow flesh is firm, juicy and melting, with good flavor for fresh eating. The fruit becomes freestone when fully ripe, meaning the flesh separates more easily from the pit.
Harvester peaches are also suitable for canning, freezing, preserves, cobblers and other desserts. The variety has been reported to have good canning quality.
Pollination
Harvester is self-fertile, so one tree can produce peaches without another peach variety nearby.
A second peach tree is not required for pollination. However, bees and other pollinating insects can help improve pollination and fruit set. Alabama Extension identifies peaches as self-fertile and lists Harvester among its recommended midseason varieties for central Alabama.
Disease Resistance
Harvester has shown useful resistance to bacterial spot, an important consideration in warm, humid southeastern climates.
Resistance does not mean the tree is completely immune. Good airflow, proper pruning, orchard sanitation and appropriate preventive treatments may still be needed.
North Florida Growing Note
Harvester requires approximately 750 chill hours. This is considerably higher than the chill requirements normally recommended for dependable peach production in much of Florida.
UF/IFAS currently advises Florida growers to consider peach varieties requiring closer to 300 chill hours, while Harvester is listed at approximately 750 hours. For that reason, Harvester may grow in the Florida Panhandle but may not flower and fruit reliably after mild winters.
Insufficient winter chilling can cause delayed leaf growth, uneven flowering, poor fruit set and reduced crops.
Harvester is better suited to central and northern Alabama, northern Georgia and other locations that regularly receive sufficient winter chill. It should be listed as a peach that is better suited for cooler climates, rather than one of the best peaches for North Florida.
Planting and Care
Plant Harvester 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 constantly 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 spraying and harvesting 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 a heavy crop.
Annual pruning is important because peaches produce fruit 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
