When to Plant Red Haven Peach Trees

If you’re looking to start a beautiful peach orchard, you’ve probably already considered planting the beloved Red Haven peach tree variety. Before you get started, however, you need to know when the best time to plant these trees is. In general, the best time to plant a Red Haven peach tree is in the late winter or early spring, before the tree has begun to bud. This helps give the tree enough time to mature and grow roots before the heat of summer sets in.

Site Selection

Before you plant any type of fruit tree, it’s important to select the right location. Red Haven peach trees love sunlight, so make sure that the location you choose gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If you have a location that gets more than six hours of sunlight that would be even better. The location should also be well-drained, as peach trees don’t like to have their roots sitting in water.

Soil Preparation

When planting Red Haven peach trees, it’s important to prepare the soil properly. Remove any weeds, grass, or debris from the planting site, then dig a hole that’s roughly twice the width of the root ball. Mix in some compost or other organic material with the soil you dig up, as peach trees need nutrient-rich soil to thrive. If your soil is really poor and you are planting in a raised bed, you may want to use some garden soil mixed with compost which is available at many home and garden stores.

Tree Planting

Once the soil is prepared, it’s time to plant the tree. Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole you dug in the planting site. The hole should be deep enough that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with the soil/compost mixture, being careful not to damage the roots as you do so. Apply about an inch of water to the base of the tree after planting to help settle the soil and get the tree off to a good start.

Maintenance

After planting your Red Haven peach tree, it’s important to take good care of it. Water the tree deeply once a week in the absence of rain, and fertilize it with a fruit tree fertilizer according to the package instructions. Prune the tree in the late winter/early spring to remove damaged or diseased branches and to maintain the tree’s shape. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, as peach trees are susceptible to several different issues.

Conclusion

Planting a Red Haven peach tree is a wonderful way to start your own home orchard. As long as you plant the tree at the right time (in late winter/early spring), choose the right location, prepare the soil properly, and take care of the tree afterwards, you should be rewarded with beautiful, delicious peaches for years to come.