Peaches develop their leaf and fruit buds in the summer for the coming year.
During fall and winter months, these buds go into a resting or dormant period. Conversely, a variety that has a low chilling hour requirement may come out of dormancy too early and begin bud swell only to be damaged by a late freeze. Choosing varieties adapted to our climate and selecting several varieties which vary in chilling requirements, will maximize chances of getting fruit each year. See the variety charts below to determine required chilling hours. Another consideration in choosing variety is taste.