Best yellow-fleshed peach for really cold regions, also late blooming to help resist spring frost, and heavy yielding. The fruit of Contender Peach is large, freestone, has blushed red flesh that is sweet, firm, and resists browning. Midsummer ripening. Ripens in Zone 4-8.
ZONE: 4-8
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Late blooming. Self-fertile.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full sun, warm & protected locations with balanced moisture. Reduce grass competition in root zone. Top dress with compost yearly - a heavy feeder. Needs good drainage. Summer prune for airflow and ease of harvest. Spur bearer. Peaches need regular pruning to thin excessive twiggy growth. Only prune during dry weather to decrease potential disease introduction to newly-exposed wood. Mid-season ripening.
CHILL HOURS: 700 hours below 45F
DISEASE RESISTANCE: n/a
SIZE AT MATURITY: Dwarf - 8' x 12'| Semi Dwarf – 10-16' x 15'| Standard – 20' x 20'