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Peach Redhaven is a hybrid variety recommended for the central regions of Russia. In addition, growing in colder areas, the southern plant does not lose its defining qualities for the variety. It is these traits that motivate gardeners to grow fruit crops in their own garden.
Breeding history of the variety
In 1940, a new fruit tree appeared in the USA, in the state of Michigan. Breeders from the American State University on the project of Dr. Stanley Jones have bred a medium-early variety of Redhaven peach. This is not surprising, since 70% of the territory of this country is occupied by the planting of peaches for commercial purposes. This variety has become the standard and prototype of modern subspecies. After some time, its early hybrid was obtained - the peach Earley Redhaven.
In 1992, the tree was added to the State Register of the Russian Federation. Redhaven peach is recommended for cultivation in the North Caucasus region.
Description of Redhaven peach variety
The tree is tall, reaches a height of 5 m, a width of 10 m. The crown is leafy, spherical in shape. The bark is brown-brown, strongly cracking. Average size of shoots, length 55 cm, thickness 0.5 cm. Medium internodes. On the sunny side, the burgundy color of the shoots. Vegetative buds are small, conical in shape. Generative buds are elongated to the apex, partial descent.
The foliage is dark green, large: 15-18 cm long, 3-4 cm wide. The surface is glossy, lanceolate-elongated. The leaf plate is medium-wavy, not leathery, the central vein is clearly visible. There is a finely serrated edging along the edges of the leaf. Petioles 9–10 mm long. Stipules are short.
Flowers are single, 22 mm in diameter, bell-shaped. The color of the inflorescences is light pink. There are 5 petals per flowers, they are all medium in size, 9x5 mm in size, oval with a blade base. The calyx is orange on the inside and dark green with a red tint on the outside. The flowers have a pleasant aroma and adhere firmly to annual shoots.
The fruits of the Redhaven variety are large, weighing 120–160 g, sometimes there are specimens weighing up to 200 g. The shape is round, slightly flattened at the edges. The peduncle is 8–10 mm. The skin is dense, slightly velvety, easily removed from the fruit. A deep orange peach with a blurred burgundy blush. The pulp is sweet, tender, juicy. The bone is small inside, easily separated, reddish. The presented description of Redhaven peaches can be seen in the photo.
Peach Redhaven traits
A fruit tree grows for about 40 years on one site. Fruits appear on the tree in the 3rd year after planting. A high yield is shown in the 5th year. The determining factor in the ripening of the Redhaven peach is the climatic zone of cultivation.
Frost resistance of Redhaven peach
The frost resistance of the Redhaven fruit tree is high. It is able to withstand frost down to -25 ° C, which makes it possible to do without shelter in the southern regions. Not afraid of late spring frosts. It should be noted the high drought resistance of the variety. The fruit tree can be grown in dry areas with dry climates.However, the Redhaven peach reacts poorly enough to drafts and strong gusts of wind.
Does the variety need pollinators
The description of the Redhaven peach indicates that the cultivar is self-pollinating. Formally, the tree is capable of bearing fruit without external pollinators, but in practice this is quite rare. To obtain high results, it is necessary to plant next to other trees in which the moment of flowering coincides with the Redhein variety. It can be the following subspecies of peaches: Ambassador of Peace, Gift of Kiev, Lyubimets, in Memory of Shevchenko.
Productivity and fruiting
The fruiting period of the Redhaven peach begins in late July, but this figure can vary depending on the region. The fruits ripen unevenly, so the harvesting work continues for 30–40 days. From one tree can be harvested from 40-100 kg of fruit - it all depends on the age of the tree and the correct implementation of agrotechnical recommendations.
Redhaven peach tastes high. Solids - 14.4%, sugars - 9.8%, acids - 0.82%, ascorbic acid - 4.19 mg per 100 g.
Scope of the fruit
Thanks to its dense skin, Redhaven fruit tolerates transportation well even over long distances. Easy lowering prevents breakage and damage. Redhaven peaches do not wrinkle, and the presentation remains the same as in the photo. But for transportation, it is preferable to pick the fruits a few days before the onset of technical maturity.
Ripe fruits can be stored for 2-3 days at room temperature. If the peaches are folded into a container or paper bags and placed in the refrigerator, then the period will increase to 7-8 days. For a longer period of time, Redhaven fruit will be stored in the cellar at a temperature of 0-2 ° C, if all recommended conditions are adhered to.
Redhaven peaches are eaten fresh, used in fruit salads, fresh juices, and canned and frozen. Cooked compotes from these fruits are rated at 4.5 points, and the taste of jam is 4.8 points. They also prepare jams, jellies, all kinds of desserts.
Disease and pest resistance
Redhaven peaches have medium resistance to curl and weak to powdery mildew and clotterosporosis. Therefore, preventive measures for this culture are necessary. If the treatment is not carried out on time, then the weakened plant will be populated by harmful insects, in particular aphids, moths, weevils.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
If you take into account the reviews of experienced peach gardeners, you can determine the strengths and weaknesses of the Redhaven variety:
- considerable productivity;
- drought resistance, frost resistance;
- excellent taste of fruit;
- compact crown;
- the lifespan of the tree;
- transportability.
The disadvantages of the fruit tree include:
- poor resistance to curl, clotterosporosis, powdery mildew;
- the need to ration the number of fruits - the branches can break under their weight.
Peach planting rules
Following the planting guidelines is the first step to getting juicy, mouth-watering and large Redhaven peach fruits. Correctly carried out procedure will allow the plant to shorten the adaptation period in a new place.
Recommended timing
Redhaven peaches are planted starting in mid-April. Then the air temperature at night will be + 10– + 15 ° С, and spring frosts will be behind. By this time, the soil has already warmed up, which is ideal for planting a thermophilic culture. In a heated and fertilized soil, the root system quickly adapts and starts growing. In the first year after planting, a young tree lays vegetative buds for further crown formation.
Choosing the right place
The site for placing the Redhaven peach should be chosen even, well-lit.The sun should hit the tree throughout the day, as this factor affects the growth and the amount of sugar in the fruit. Do not plant it in the shade of other trees or buildings. It will be useful to protect the fruit crop from the winds. There should be a fence or shelter nearby that will hide the peach from drafts.
According to reviews, Redhaven peach grows well on fertile, light, breathable soils. Prefers loam from soils. You should not plant a tree in lowlands, in swampy areas where groundwater is close. Peach will also not grow in acidic soils.
Selection and preparation of planting material
The survival rate directly depends on the state of the planting material. Experienced gardeners do not advise making an online purchase of Redhaven peach, choosing seedlings from a photo. It is advisable to purchase them in specialized stores, while paying attention to the following nuances:
- age;
- the roots should be elastic, flexible, without rot and damaged areas;
- no sagging on the root collar;
- well-formed, flawless stem;
- bark without obvious damage.
The most viable are annual seedlings.
Landing algorithm
The landing procedure is as follows:
- Dig a depression of standard dimensions 1x0.7 m. The distance between adjacent trees should be 3-4 meters.
- The 1/3 well is filled with fertilizers (humus, ash, superphosphate) mixed with soil, and 2 buckets of warm water are poured on top. This procedure is performed if the soil has not been fertilized in advance.
- After absorbing water, the seedling is lowered into the recess.
- The roots are gently straightened to the sides.
- Sprinkle with earth, so that the root collar is 6-7 cm above the ground.
- The last step is watering. A near-trunk circle is formed. 3 buckets of water are poured under each bush.
- When the liquid is absorbed, mulch is sprinkled around the perimeter of the bush. Peat or compost is good for this.
- Trim the Redhaven peach seedling to form a crown type.
Peach follow-up care
Further measures for the care of the Redhaven peach include timely pruning, watering, feeding, and protection from rodents.
In early spring, thinning pruning of the crown is carried out, which contributes to an increase in mass, the number of fruits, and also prevents the development of infectious diseases. It is better to perform the procedure before the start of sap flow. After 3 years, they begin to artificially form the crown of the Redhaven peach, which is cupped or palmetto. By choosing the latter option, you can get an earlier and more abundant harvest.
When watering, special attention should be paid to the periods of vegetative growth and the formation of ovaries, the norm is 20 liters under a tree. At other times, there is no urgent need for hydration. Therefore, it will be enough to water the Redhaven peach once every 10-14 days with one bucket of water. After the moisture dries, it is necessary to loosen the soil for better air exchange.
The number of dressings is directly proportional to the number of waterings. In the fall, it is advised to bring humus and complex mineral preparations. In the spring - nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.
The Redhaven peach variety is considered frost-resistant, but in the conditions of the Moscow region, where the temperature in winter drops below -25 ° C, the tree may suffer. Therefore, insulation is required. For wrapping branches, a synthetic airtight or natural material is suitable. The trunk circle is covered with a layer of mulch. To protect against rodents and insect pests, the tree trunk is whitewashed, and tied with a fine-mesh net for the winter.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The main diseases of the Redhaven peach:
- Curly leaves - a fungal disease, the symptoms of which are wounds, reddish swellings, gum on the leaves.Treatment involves processing the crown with copper sulfate, then with Horus, and after flowering with Polycarbocin.
- Moniliosis characterized by damaged leaves, dry ovaries, the formation of gray and dark spots on the fruit. The disease is treated in the period before and after flowering with the drug "Nitrafen".
- Fruit rot - a disease that can harm the already harvested fruits. To eliminate fungal infection, systemic fungicides are used.
Peach Redhaven is resistant to pest attacks, but adverse conditions can occur when they are numerous and dangerous. Insecticide preparations will help to cope with them.
Conclusion
The Redhaven peach will become a favorite and sought-after fruit tree in the garden. The pleasant taste of the fruit will appeal to even the most demanding housewives, and a large harvest is enough not only for homemade preparations, but also for sale.