August is National Peach Month, so here are a few interesting facts about them:
Some Interesting Facts
- The botanical name is Prunus persica, which translates to Persian Plum. Ancient Romans called them Persian Apples. The French translated this to peche, leading to the English peach version.
- Peaches are native to China, considered a symbol of longevity and immortality. Ancient Chinese explorers used to take peach branches with them on their travels for good fortune.
- Peaches are a member of the Rose Family—this makes them related to roses, plums, pears, apples, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and almonds.
- Some people think nectarines are a cross between peaches and plums. They are simply peaches without fuzz.
- Peaches are a good source of vitamins A, B, and C and antioxidants like beta-carotene and selenium—a micro-nutrient known for anti-cancer properties. They have only 58 calories in one whole peach and 3 grams of fiber.
- While Georgia is called The Peach State, more peaches are grown in South Carolina and California. In the world, China currently grows the most.
- The largest peach grown was at Pearson Farm in Fort Valley, Georgia, in 2018. It weighed 1 pound, 12 ounces! The average peach weighs 1/4 to 1/3 of a pound.
- Peaches come in both white and yellow varieties. White peaches have slightly less acid, so they are a bit sweeter.
Grow Your Own
Peach trees are easy to grow with full sun and well-drained soil. You can even try growing your own from a peach pit. I’d recommend getting peaches from a local Farmers Market to ensure it’s a peach that does well in your area.
Plant the pit in the fall, about three or four inches deep. Cover over winter with only about an inch of mulch and water when dry. It will take three to four years to bloom. The peaches may differ from what you planted because most peach trees are grated. The seeds will revert to one of the parents.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you have questions about peaches, bulbs, flowers, lawn care, shrubs, or anything and everything that grows, you’ll find answers—the correct answers—to your gardening questions at the Great Big Greenhouse and Nursery.