Peach, Stark Saturn (Donut) (Semi-Dwarf) Prunus persica 'Saturn' Height: 15 feet Spread: 15 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 4b Other Names: Donut Peach, Prunus persica var. compressa Description: An interesting heirloom variety, presenting showy pink flowers in spring, followed by doughnut shaped fruit with sweet white flesh, and fine skins blushed with red; freestone; susceptible to late spring freezes; needs full sun and well-drained soil Edible Qualities Peach, Stark Saturn (Donut) (Semi-Dwarf) is a small tree that is typically grown for its edible qualities. It produces gold oval fruit (technically 'drupes') with a crimson blush and white 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, Stark Saturn (Donut) (Semi-Dwarf) is smothered in stunning clusters of fragrant shell pink flowers along the branches in early spring, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds before the leaves. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The narrow leaves turn yellow in fall. The fruits are showy gold drupes with a crimson 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, Stark Saturn (Donut) (Semi-Dwarf) is sutiable for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Peach, Stark Saturn (Donut) (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. To help this plant achive its best flowering performance, periodically apply a flower-boosting fertilizer from early spring through into the active growing season. 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
