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.
Yellow peaches are just as sweet.
Also, peaches don't get sweeter after they are picked. Two mail-order sources for fruit trees include Stark Brothers and Cumberland Valley Nurseries. Contact your local county Extension office for a list of these and other nurseries. Most peach varieties are self-fruitful, which means they can produce a crop with their own pollen. J.H. Hale, a variety available at most nurseries, has sterile pollen and if used, must be planted with another variety.