Prunus persica Madeleine de Courson Peach Tree Organic

The 'Madeleine de Courson' Peach, from Organic Agriculture, is an old variety, characterized by the yellow colour of its marbled skin washed with intense red on the sunny side. It abundantly produces a large-sized peach, measuring 8 to 9 centimetres (3 to 4 inches) in diameter, weighing between 180 and 220 grams, with a round shape, slightly flattened at the top. The velvety skin is quite thick. The white flesh, veined with red towards the centre, has a sweet and fragrant flavour, without acidity, and the stone separates easily from the flesh. The limited height and spread habit of the peach facilitate harvesting. This variety is also resistant to cold, wind, peach leaf curl, and diseases in general, but may be vulnerable to powdery mildew. Sensitive to spring frosts, this peach prefers a warm, sunny, and sheltered exposure.

Prunus persica (Common Peach) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, originating from China in the regions of Sichuan and Guizhou around 500 BC. It appeared in Europe in the 6th century and experienced significant development in the 19th century. From there, numerous selections aimed at improving the fruit's taste qualities took place.

The 'Madeleine de Courson' variety is also known as 'Madeleine Rouge', 'Angevine Rouge', 'Grosse Madeleine', 'Late Red Madeleine', and 'Rouge Paysanne'. Its origins are divided, as some claim it was obtained in 1646 in the Charentes region, while others place it between 1623 and 1650 in Courson, in the Paris region. This peach tree forms a small tree with a fairly upright framework, reaching a height of 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet), with a diameter of around 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet). Its habit is well-suited to low forms (goblet shape) or espaliers. Its foliage consists of lanceolate leaves, 8 to 15cm (3 to 6in) long and 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) wide, with serrated and wavy edges, a bright green colour, which turn yellow-orange in the fall before falling off. The leaves are slightly fragrant and emit a sweet almond scent. In mid-April, bright pink flowers, 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter, appear singly before the leaves on the previous year's branches. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3°C onwards. It is a remarkably decorative spring bloomer, and particularly rich in nectar. It is a fairly hardy tree, down to -10°C, although it does susceptible to late spring frosts that damage its flowers and compromise fruiting. A self-fertile variety, not requiring other peach trees nearby for pollination, but the presence of another peach tree will improve fertility. The fruit harvest begins in early August and continues until the end of August, as they ripen. To obtain beautiful peaches, it is possible to remove some fruits as soon as they appear.

Prunus persica 'Madeleine de Courson' is a fertile variety, with rapid fruiting, yielding a harvest that can be more or less abundant depending on the year and exhibiting alternating bearing. As peaches are very fragile, they are harvested by hand with delicacy. The fruits are consumed immediately after harvest. Tasty and delicious, peaches can be eaten fresh as soon as they are picked. They are ideal for making compotes, ice creams and sorbets, tarts, pastries, fruit salads or compositions, as accompaniments to savoury dishes with meats (duck, rabbit, chicken, etc.) or fish (salmon, cod, etc.). They are also perfect for making juices or fruit syrups. Rich in water, peaches are refreshing and thirst-quenching. Being very fleshy, they provide great satiety. Low in calories, they are rich in potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, with a significant iron content. Their vitamin C and B content, antioxidants, and fibre make peaches a health asset. They are invigorating, energizing, and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored for a week in a cool place, away from light.

Like many fruit trees, peaches prefer rich, deep, and well-drained soils. They do not tolerate excess water, heavy and compact soils, or limestone soils. They prefer a sunny exposure, sheltered from drafts and cold winds. A southeast or southwest exposure suits them perfectly. In regions that frequently experience late spring frosts, the peach tree can be espaliered against a south-facing wall. Very popular, thanks to its fruit, the peach tree finds its place in the garden for the pleasure of young and old. With a wide range of varieties, it is easy to find the one that best suits your desires.