When to Plant Peach Trees in Kansas

Thinking of planting a peach tree in your backyard? Before you start digging, it’s important to know the best time to plant it. In Kansas, the ideal time to plant a peach tree is in late winter or early spring, when the ground has thawed out but before the tree starts to bud.

Choosing the Right Variety

When selecting a peach tree to plant, it’s important to choose a variety that is adapted to the climate and soil conditions of your area. Prunus persica, the scientific name for peach trees, is a species that has been cultivated for thousands of years, and there are hundreds of different varieties to choose from.

In Kansas, some of the most popular varieties include Contender, Redhaven, and Elberta. These varieties are known for their resistance to pests and diseases, as well as their ability to produce large, sweet fruit.

Preparing the Soil

Peach trees grow best in soil that is well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic. Before planting your tree, you may need to amend the soil to create the right conditions. Begin by testing your soil pH to determine whether it is too acidic or alkaline. If the pH is too high, you can add sulfur to lower it. If the pH is too low, add lime to raise it.

Once you’ve adjusted the pH, add organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and add nutrients. Spread a layer of the organic matter around the planting hole, then mix it into the soil as you backfill.

Planting the Tree

When planting a peach tree, it’s important to choose a location that receives full sun for at least six hours per day. The tree also needs to be planted in a spot with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the tree. Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen any tangled roots. Place the tree in the hole, making sure the graft union—the spot where the tree was grafted onto the rootstock—sits about 2 inches above the ground.

Fill in the hole with soil, tamping it down firmly to eliminate air pockets. Water the tree deeply, then spread a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and control weeds.

Caring for Your Peach Tree

After planting your peach tree, it’s important to care for it properly to ensure it gets off to a good start. Water the tree deeply once a week during the first year, and more frequently during hot, dry weather.

Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood, and to shape the tree for optimal fruit production. Fertilize the tree in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer, following the instructions on the package.

Peach trees are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including peach leaf curl, brown rot, and Oriental fruit moth. Monitor your tree regularly for signs of these problems, and treat them promptly to prevent them from becoming more serious.

Harvesting Your Peaches

After a few years of growth, your peach tree should begin to produce fruit. You’ll know the peaches are ready to harvest when they are firm but slightly soft to the touch, and have developed a good color. Depending on the variety, this may happen in midsummer or early fall.

To harvest the fruit, simply grasp it gently and twist it clockwise. If the fruit doesn’t separate from the tree easily, it may not be ripe yet.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, home-grown peaches from your very own Kansas peach tree.