Believe it or not, gardeners have been growing peaches for over 4,000 years! With that much history, it’s no surprise that there are countless varieties to choose from today. Whether you’re looking for something sweet and juicy for fresh eating or a hardy tree that can handle a chilly spring, I’ve got you covered. Here are seven of the most popular peach varieties, plus a little “insider tip” at the end!
[[pflanzen]]
++Helene (Prunus persica Helene)
If you’re looking for a reliable old-school variety, Helene is a fantastic choice. It’s known for being robust and very high-yielding. Because it sets fruit early in the season, the blossoms are surprisingly frost-resistant. The beautifully colored peaches ripen starting in July and have a smooth, lightly fuzzed skin. Inside, you’ll find white flesh with a lovely sweet-tart aroma. While the flesh clings a bit to the pit (semi-freestone), the pits themselves don’t tend to split.
++Early Alexander (Prunus persica Früher Alexander)
This variety is a dream for low-maintenance gardeners because it’s naturally resistant to peach leaf curl. These round, yellow fruits with a stunning crimson blush are ready to eat in July. The flesh is nice and firm and separates easily from the pit, making it a breeze to snack on. Plus, they are incredibly juicy with that classic, intense peach sweetness we all crave.
++Red Robin (Prunus persica Red Robin)
Red Robin is a tough cookie! It stands up well against both peach leaf curl and Monilia (brown rot). Because it’s so cold-hardy, it’s a great pick for gardeners in slightly harsher climates. The medium-sized, ruby-red fruits look as good as they taste. They offer a balanced sweet-and-sour flavor profile and are freestone, so the pit pops right out. Expect to start harvesting these beauties around early August.
++Amsden (Prunus persica Amsden)
Originally hailing from the United States, Amsden is a hardy, high-yielding variety that feels right at home in many gardens. By July, you’ll have medium-sized peaches with soft, yellow-red skin ready for picking. The yellow flesh is firm, juicy, and has a unique spicy-sweet kick. Since it’s a freestone variety and very juicy, it’s not just great for eating fresh—it’s also a superstar for making homemade jams and preserves.
++Red Vineyard Peach (Prunus persica Roter Weinbergpfirsich)
Traditionally grown in wine regions, this variety is often called the “Blood Peach” because of its deep red skin and flesh. These oval-shaped fruits have a soft, fuzzy skin and firm flesh with a rich, slightly tart aroma. They are excellent freestone peaches. Pro tip: If you harvest them a few days before they are fully ripe, they can actually be stored for up to six weeks!
++Revita (Prunus persica Revita)
Revita is one of the healthiest varieties out there. It shows off gorgeous pink blossoms as early as March and is famous for its incredible resistance to peach leaf curl—it usually stays healthy even if neighboring trees are struggling! The large, yellow-red fruits are ready in mid-August. The white flesh is firm, easy to pit, and has a delicious sweet-yet-piquant flavor. It’s a versatile choice for both fresh eating and canning.
++Benedicte (Prunus persica Benedicte)
Benedicte is a newer breed that has quickly become a fan favorite. While the orange-red skin might make you expect yellow flesh, it actually hides a beautiful, juicy white interior. The fruits are large, have very little fuzz, and taste wonderfully sweet. They ripen a bit later (mid-August to mid-September), but the best part? This tree starts producing heavy crops as early as its second year in the ground.
%%Starcrest (Prunus persica Starcrest)
Here is my “secret tip” for you! Starcrest is a mutation of the “Springcrest” variety and is highly prized for its incredibly soft, nearly fuzz-free skin. The bright yellow flesh is ready in early to mid-July and packs a punch of aromatic sweetness. The tree itself is a vigorous grower, very hardy, and consistently delivers a huge harvest. Definitely one to consider if you have the space!