Position
Rich Lady Peach trees require winter chill (cold temperatures below 7°) to break dormancy and produce fruit effectively.
Choose a location with full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) and good air circulation to prevent diseases.
Space the trees 3-5m apart to allow for their full growth and ensure proper air circulation.
Plant the tree at the same depth it was growing in the nursery bag.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile soil; avoid waterlogging. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the nursery bag and about the same depth as the root ball. Loosen the surrounding soil to encourage new root growth. Carefully remove the tree from its container without damaging the roots. If the roots are circling around the root ball, gently tease them apart to encourage outward growth.
Place the tree in the centre of the hole so that the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Do not bury the trunk or graft union. Refill the hole with the original soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Avoid adding excessive fertiliser directly into the planting hole.
Refill the hole with the original soil, with a bag of compost, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Adding half a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust (R25 per bag) and a bag of Superfrass (R25 per bag) will assist in rapid growth. They also protect the roots from being eaten by insects.
Watering
Too much water can cause root rot, but do not allow the roots to dry out completely.
Mulching
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertilising
Apply our slow-release (berry fertiliser) all-plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Alternatively, apply a balanced fertiliser (such as 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins. Thereafter, fertilise annually in early spring.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain tree shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve air circulation. It also encourages better fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Focus on removing crossing branches and thinning the canopy to improve light penetration.
Pests and Disease Management
Monitor for common peach pests, including aphids, peach twig borer, and peach tree borer. Use integrated pest management techniques and consider spraying in early spring to control overwintering pests.
Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) will assist in either prevention or in after-the-fact control. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree down with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control. Peach trees need regular spraying before fruit sets and immediately after buds turn into small fruit. Continue organic spraying regularly for good-quality peaches.
Thinning Fruit
Thin fruit in early summer when they are about the size of a small coin to promote larger, healthier fruit and prevent branch breakage due to excessive weight.
Harvesting
Rich Lady peaches are ready for harvest in mid to late summer, when they have developed full colour, are fully ripe but still firm, and the background colour has turned from green to yellow.
