Product details
Product Overview
Peach Anzac is a beloved Australian heirloom variety, introduced in 1915 to honour the ANZAC soldiers. Renowned for its sweet, juicy white flesh and ruby-red skin, this self-fertile, freestone peach delivers exceptional flavour and a bountiful harvest. Perfect for fresh eating or juicing, its timeless appeal makes it a treasured addition to home gardens and orchards alike.
Growth:
The Anzac Peach tree typically reaches a mature height and width of 3 to 5 metres, forming a well-branched, rounded canopy. Its vigorous growth makes it suitable for medium to large gardens, and it can be espaliered into a fan shape for space-saving and decorative purposes.
Light Requirements:
Thriving in full sun, this peach requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure optimal fruit development and sweetness. Adequate sunlight also helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases by keeping the foliage dry.
Soil Requirements:
This variety prefers well-drained, fertile soils enriched with organic matter. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure into the planting site enhances soil fertility. Maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) is ideal for this tree.
Water Requirements:
Regular watering is essential, especially during the establishment phase and the growing season. Deep watering encourages strong root development, but avoid waterlogging, as peaches are sensitive to overly wet conditions. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Frost Tolerance:
Once established, the Anzac Peach exhibits good frost tolerance. However, young trees and blossoms may need protection from late spring frosts in cooler regions to prevent damage.
Drought Tolerance:
While mature trees can withstand short periods of drought, consistent watering during dry spells is crucial to maintain fruit quality and yield. Mulching around the base helps conserve soil moisture.
Flowering and Fruiting Information:
This variety bursts to life in spring with a profusion of bright pink blossoms on bare branches, followed by medium to large peaches with ruby-red skin over a cream-white background. The flesh is firm, juicy, and sweet, with a light green hue. The fruit ripens from mid-January to February, offering a generous harvest perfect for fresh consumption or juicing.
Pollinators:
The Anzac Peach is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another tree for pollination. However, planting multiple peach trees can enhance cross-pollination and potentially increase fruit set.
Spacing Requirements:
When planting in the garden, space trees approximately 3 to 5 metres apart to allow for adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration. For espaliered trees, ensure sufficient space to accommodate the desired shape and facilitate maintenance.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring as new growth begins and again in late summer after fruiting. Peach trees benefit from additional nitrogen; however, avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Care and Maintenance:
Prune annually during winter dormancy to maintain shape and promote healthy growth. Remove dead or diseased branches and thin the canopy to improve air circulation. Regularly monitor for pests and diseases, treating promptly as needed. Applying organic mulch around the base helps suppress weeds and retain moisture but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
