Peach, Early Elberta (Semi Dwarf) Prunus persica 'Early Elberta' Height: 15 feet Spread: 15 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 5a Other Names: Gleason Early Elberta, Common Peach Description: An improved selection, bearing firm, juicy yellow freestone peaches flushed with red, 2 weeks earlier than its parent Elberta; amazing pink flowers in spring; susceptible to late spring freezes and disease, needs full sun and well-drained soil Edible Qualities Peach, Early Elberta (Semi Dwarf) is a small tree that is typically grown for its edible qualities. It produces large yellow round fruit (technically 'drupes') with a red blush and yellow flesh which are usually ready for picking in mid summer. Note that the fruits have hard inedible pits inside which must be removed before eating or processing. The fruits have a sweet taste and a juicy texture. The fruit are most often used in the following ways: Features & Attributes Peach, Early Elberta (Semi Dwarf) is smothered in stunning clusters of fragrant pink flowers along the branches in early spring, which emerge from distinctive red flower buds before the leaves. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The narrow leaves turn yellow in fall. The fruits are showy yellow drupes with a red blush, which are carried in abundance in mid summer. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. This is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Aside from its primary use as an edible, Peach, Early Elberta (Semi Dwarf) is sutiable for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Peach, Early Elberta (Semi Dwarf) will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn't require a second plant nearby to set fruit. This tree is typically grown in a designated area of the yard because of its mature size and spread. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Special Attributes Growing fruit trees is a very tasty and rewarding food source, it does take time, energy and devotion to maintain so if you are up for the task. Nectarine & Peach trees are a fruit that takes less care here in the Columbia Basin see our website, go to products then fruit trees click on Peaches & Nectarines for our care guide
