Prunus persica Fertile September - Peach Tree

Prunus persica Fertile September is a vigorous, hardy, self-fertile variety that is highly productive and resistant to diseases, including peach leaf curl and brown rot. It produces abundant medium-sized fruits with a round shape and a very fuzzy, cream-yellow skin marbled with pink-red on the sunny side. Its creamy white flesh, veined with red near the stone, is soft, slightly fibrous, juicy, and sweet, with excellent taste. The harvest takes place in the second half of September, and the fruits are consumed as they ripen. This peach tree is sensitive to spring frosts and prefers a warm, sunny, and sheltered location.

Prunus persica (Common Peach) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, originating from China in the Sichuan and Guizhou regions around 500 BC. It was introduced to Europe in the 6th century and experienced significant development in the 19th century. Since then, numerous selections have been made to improve the fruit's taste qualities.

The Fertile  September variety comes from a seedling of a local variety from the Sombreffe region (Belgium) and was selected by the Gembloux Agricultural Research Centre (Belgium) in 1987. It is a small, vigorous fruit tree with a fairly upright framework that can reach a height of 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet), with a diameter of around 3 metres (10 feet). Its habit is well suited for low forms (such as goblet) or espaliers. Its foliage consists of lanceolate leaves, 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long and 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) wide, with serrated and wavy edges, a vibrant green colour, turning yellow-orange in autumn before falling. The leaves have a slight almond fragrance. In April, the pink flowers, 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter, appear solitarily before the leaves on the previous year's branches. They can be destroyed by frost at temperatures below -2 to -3°C (28.4 to 26.6°F). It is a decorative flowering tree, particularly attractive to bees and butterflies. The tree is hardy down to -15°C (5°F), but late spring frosts can damage its flowers and affect fruiting. This variety is self-fertile and does not require other peach trees nearby for pollination. Prunus persica Fertile September quickly bears fruit.

Since peaches are very delicate, they should be handpicked with care. The fruits can be consumed immediately after harvest. Delicious, peaches can be enjoyed fresh from the tree. They are ideal for making compotes, ice creams, sorbets, tarts, pastries, fruit salads, or as accompaniments to savoury dishes with meat (duck, rabbit, chicken, etc.) or fish (salmon, cod, etc.). They are also perfect for making juices or fruit syrups. Peaches are rich in water, refreshing, and thirst-quenching. With their fleshy texture, they provide a feeling of satiety. Low in calories, they are also a good source of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, with a significant iron content. Peaches are rich in vitamin C and B, antioxidants, and fibre, making them a healthy choice. They are invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored for up to a week in a cool place away from light.

In the Peach - Nectarine category, Prunus persica Fertile September is a variety known for its disease resistance and the excellent taste of its fruit. Like many fruit trees, it prefers rich, deep, and well-drained soils. The peach tree thrives in full sun, sheltered from drafts and cold winds. A southeast or southwest exposure is ideal. In regions that frequently experience late spring frosts, the peach tree can be trained against a south-facing wall. Very popular due to its fruit, the peach tree is a great addition to any garden, delighting both young and old. With a wide range of varieties available, it's easy to find one that suits your preferences.