The best peach varieties for Russia: names with photos and descriptions

Peach

When purchasing private plots, gardeners begin planning their future plantings. Few would resist the sweet fruits that can be grown in their own backyard. Some peach varieties are suitable for any climate, while others don't tolerate drought or cold winds. Therefore, it's important to know which varieties are best suited for growing in Russia.

Classification of peach varieties by ripening time

This crop is not considered long-lived. All trees grow quickly and die just as quickly. In fact, several types of fruit are called peaches: nectarines, Potanin almonds, and figs. There is a fourth type with hairy fruits, which are called true peaches. All varieties differ in frost resistance, fruit shape, and flesh flavor. Each of the four groups has a different ripening time. When planting, it's important to know these characteristics to properly care for the tree.

Early peach varieties

Some varieties of this plant produce sweet fruits as early as summer. For example, the Kyivskiy ranniy variety produces its first peaches just three years after planting. The tree blooms in May and produces fruit until mid-July. Sweet fruits can be harvested in the second ten days of the month. This variety is considered a high-yielding variety. A single plant can yield up to 50 kg of fruit.

The first fruits appear on Greensboro peach trees just two years after planting. This peach variety is highly prized for its delicate and sweet flavor, rated 4.8 out of 5. A 10-year-old tree can yield up to 67 kg of fruit. Greensboro peach is not suitable for transportation due to its tendency to darken with any deformation of the skin, so in colder regions, it can only be enjoyed in a greenhouse.

Another popular early-ripening peach variety is Redhaven. This variety is suitable for growing in central Russia, but only seedlings purchased from local nurseries are suitable. These trees are adapted to colder climates, making them more resilient to winter. Harvesting occurs between the 30th and 40th day, beginning in the second ten days of July. After 10 years, a tree can produce up to 110 kg of fruit. The best early peach varieties include:

Morettini;
May flower;
Juicy;
Fluffy early.

Attention!

The pollination period and fertilization schedule depend on the ripening time.

To consistently harvest a large crop and ensure sweet fruit, choose varieties with low crowns. Spreading branches are easier to shape and care for. Experienced gardeners in Russia choose low-growing trees for growing peach trees, as they make harvesting easier. Early-ripening peach varieties produce tasty and aromatic fruit. These trees grow no more than 5 meters tall. The first flowers can appear as early as April.

Mid-season peach varieties

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All trees of this type produce a large harvest. They are valued for their frost resistance. All mid-season peach varieties are suitable for planting in central Russia. These varieties grow to over 5 meters in height and have a spreading crown. These varieties are chosen for export because they are easy to transport. The fruit does not darken due to damage, so it reaches store shelves fresh.

The large-fruited Collins peach is one of the shortest mid-season varieties. These trees reach a height of only 3-3.5 m. Growth slows noticeably after fruiting begins. Sweet, round peaches with velvety skin appear on the branches as early as August. They can weigh up to 155 g. The fruit is bright orange with a raspberry blush. The tree easily survives winter as long as temperatures do not drop below -23°C.

The White Swan is considered a mid-season peach variety. When this tree reaches six years of age, it can produce up to 60 kg of fruit per season. The sweet fruit is ready to harvest in the first or second ten days of August. The flowers do not require pollination, so they easily survive in areas with a shortage of bees. Many value this variety for its frost resistance. The White Swan survives in temperatures as low as -30°C.

If a gardener wants to grow a beautiful tree that will produce large fruits, the Cardinal variety is a good choice. Peaches on this tree first appear 2-3 years after planting. This variety is prized for its high and consistent yield. Cardinal doesn't tolerate either insufficient or excessive moisture. The frequency and appropriateness of fertilizing influence the yield. Fruit can be harvested from mid-August until the second ten days of September.

Attention!

The Cardinal peach is frost-sensitive, so in central Russia it can only be grown in greenhouses.

The artificially bred Zolotaya Moskva variety was created by crossing the Elberta and Salveya species. This tree bears its first fruit starting on August 15th. Large peaches weigh up to 185 g, sometimes reaching 200 g. The blush can cover up to 75% of the skin. The flesh is juicy and aromatic, with a hint of sugar. Zolotaya Moskva yields up to 55 kg per year. Due to its excellent taste and high vitamin content, the fruits are eaten fresh and are popular in desserts.

The fruits of the columnar Balconella are prized for their vibrant flavor. The flesh is juicy and pleasantly fragrant. This low-growing variety has good frost resistance but is not suitable for growing in northern regions. The tree reaches only 1.5 m in height. The crown is neat and spherical. The first fruits appear on the branches in early to mid-August. A single peach weighs no more than 145 g.

The Augustine variety is popular for its large fruits, which first appear on the tree 2-3 years after transplanting the peach seedling to open ground. The fruits can weigh up to 200 g. The skin is slightly pubescent and has a marbled color. The flesh is firm, with a sweet and sour flavor. It separates from the pit relatively easily. This peach variety is easy to transport. The fruits do not darken during transport, even with severe damage. Mid-late ripening varieties include:

Saturn;
Donskoy;
Siberian;
Kremlin.

Late peaches

The tree begins to bear fruit only after five years from planting. These varieties are not suitable for cold climates. In central Russia, late peaches do not have time to ripen, causing the flesh to become sour. For this reason, these varieties are not grown in regions above the Rostov region. The first fruits appear on them only in mid-September. Harvesting continues until early October. Crimea and the surrounding region are best suited for growing these peaches.

The Jaminat peach is distinguished by its oval fruits weighing up to 160 g. Their yellow flesh is sweet with tart notes. The skin is bright red, unblemished. This variety begins bearing fruit in the first ten days of September. Jaminat is prized for its resistance to diseases and pests. Because of these characteristics, this late-ripening peach is often used for commercial cultivation.

The Frost variety came to Russia from America. Its fruits are large, reaching 200 grams. This peach is one of the most frost-hardy of the late-ripening varieties, withstanding temperatures down to -32°C. The first fruits appear on the branches in September. Due to its fibrous structure, it is more often used for making jams than for fresh consumption. Frost is prized for its high yield.

The Elberta peach is the result of American selection. Its fruits, weighing up to 150 grams, have rosy skin with a rich yellow background. The oval, elongated-nosed fruits are sweet but slightly tart. This plant is considered the earliest of all late-ripening varieties. The tree begins to bear fruit as early as the end of August (25th-28th). Gardeners value the Elberta for its resilience to weather changes and rapid growth.

Attention!

Late-ripening peach trees grow large, so they are not suitable for small areas.

Frost-resistant varieties

Almost all peach varieties have always been marketed exclusively as southern plants. However, many varieties are also suitable for growing in temperate or colder regions. Most of these were developed through selective breeding. Frost-hardy peaches can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C. These temperatures are only valid for winter. After buds appear on the branches, the maximum permissible frost is -22°C, so late cold snaps can be fatal for the plant.

Winter-hardy varieties require more care. They need to be harvested on time. The tree's lifespan is affected by the amount of fertilizer and the frequency of pruning. Frost resistance decreases if the gardener doesn't harvest the fruit on time. Overloading the tree with fruit during a sudden drop in temperature can kill the plant. Peaches' cold resistance also declines with age.

Babylonian

This variety was artificially bred from the Valiant and Miryanin varieties. It is often grown in the North Caucasus region. The trees are medium-sized with a spherical crown. Breeders prize this peach for its large fruits, weighing approximately 150 g. The pulp is sweet and sour, fibrous, and difficult to remove. The pit is difficult to remove. Due to its intense flavor, the fruit is often used in desserts. The Babylon variety is considered mid-season. This peach has a high yield. The trees are resistant to powdery mildew.

Juicy

This cream-colored peach easily tolerates the frosts of central Russia. The variety was created by crossing Rochester and Greensboro. It was registered in 1965. Since then, the Juicy Peach has been grown throughout Russia. Its fruits are prized for their vibrant aroma. Juicy fruits appear as early as July. This tree requires careful care, as it is prone to many diseases. Powdery mildew is the most common culprit. Less commonly, it suffers from clasterosporium.

Attention!

In ripe fruits, the flesh remains greenish-white.

Harrow Diamond

This frost-hardy peach variety can withstand temperatures down to -30°C. The tree grows 3-4 m in height. The oval-shaped fruits weigh up to 150 g. Their skin is covered with a yellow blush that stands out against the red background. The peaches have a small groove on one side. The fibrous flesh with red veins is sweet but has a tart flavor. The first fruits can be harvested in July. They appear on trees older than 3 years. The variety is resistant to high humidity. Peaches also tolerate frost well:

Velvety;
Forest-steppe;
May flower;
Kyiv;
Inca;
August stands.

Self-pollinating self-fertile varieties

These plants produce fruit even when bees are scarce. They should be planted away from insect-pollinated trees. Experienced gardeners recommend planting several peach trees of this type close together. Cross-pollination increases yield. However, these varieties also produce well when grown alone. They differ in frost resistance and fruiting period.

Self-pollinating species include:

Volcano. Produces a large harvest. Resistant to many diseases, including fungal diseases. Easily tolerates sudden temperature changes. The first fruits ripen in August. The skin is covered with a red blush, through which the yellow background is visible. The flesh is firm.
Harnas. It produces a consistent harvest and is resistant to prolonged frosts. The fruits are often used in desserts and are rarely eaten raw. This variety is suitable for growing in cold regions, including Siberia. The fruits hold firmly to their stems and do not fall off even after ripening.
Golden Jubilee. This peach variety is often grown commercially. The sweet fruits have yellow skin with a red blush, making them even more appetizing. One tree produces up to 50 kg of peaches.

Attention!

Bees can cause damage to self-pollinating varieties, so such plants should be planted away from trees and flowers that rely on insects for fruiting.

The best peach varieties for different regions of Russia

There's no single, universal variety of this fruit that will grow equally well in every part of the country. Different regions of Russia can have hot, dry, humid climates, or even long winters. To ensure a good fruiting tree and a sweet harvest, you need to choose a variety based on the prevailing weather in the area where the orchard is located.

Peach varieties for the middle zone

The climate in this part of Russia is harsh on southern plants. Only frost-resistant peach varieties are chosen for the temperate zone. Other varieties will quickly die. Plants that require full sun all summer are also unsuitable. During ripening, the fruit doesn't have time to absorb sufficient heat, resulting in a sour and tasteless flesh. Many perish with the first frost, as temperatures begin to drop rapidly. Only winter-hardy varieties are suitable for growing in the temperate zone:

Kyiv early;
Cardinal;
Collins;
Kremlin;
Redhaven;
Lebedev;
Golden Moscow;
Flamingo.

Peach varieties for southern Russia

Choosing fruit for this climate is not difficult. Most peach varieties grow well in the Volgograd, Astrakhan, and other southern regions. The only requirement for all varieties is ample watering, as the soil dries out quickly in the heat. However, no fruit type tolerates excessive amounts of water. Otherwise, the trees are undemanding, easily coping with direct sunlight. The fruits are sweet and rich in vitamins. The following varieties are suitable for growing in southern Russia:

New;
Steppe turnip;
Fig white;
Saturn;
Vladimir.

Attention!

Fruits need to be picked as they ripen, otherwise they begin to rot due to the heat.

The Rainbow Peach is self-pollinating. It doesn't tolerate frost well, so it's grown only in warmer regions. This variety produces large fruits, up to 200 g. The yellow skin is covered with bright crimson spots. Rainbow peaches are prized for their tender, melt-in-the-mouth flesh. The pit is easily removed. The first fruits appear on the tree in mid-July.

Steinberg is a dwarf peach variety. The trees grow to only 2 meters in height. Despite their relatively small size, Steinberg produces large fruits weighing up to 205 grams. The peach tree can bear fruit for 15 consecutive years. The fruits are prized for their tender, juicy flesh and distinct flavor. This variety is completely resistant to fungal diseases and tolerates overwatering or heavy rainfall.

Peach varieties for Kuban

To choose a plant that will delight you with its fruit every year, you need to pay attention to the soil. In the Krasnodar Krai, soil varies, so not every variety thrives. Kuban's climate is fairly balanced, so many varieties of peaches can be grown in this region. Winter temperatures don't drop below -25°C, so the trees don't require extreme frost resistance. Summers are warm enough for even late-ripening varieties to ripen.

Saturn peaches are often grown in Krasnodar. The fruits are small, weighing up to 100 g. Many breeders value this variety for its very sweet flesh. Unlike other varieties, Saturn doesn't have a sour aftertaste. The fruits can be transported long distances: they don't spoil quickly and don't darken from deformation. The pit separates easily from the flesh. The fruit has a delicate yellow skin with red sides.

Another variety popular for cultivation in the former Kuban region is the Semirenko. These peaches are suitable for commercial use due to their sweet flesh and pleasant aroma. The first fruits can be picked from the trees in early July. The fruits are small, averaging 120 g. This variety is disease-resistant, making it easy to care for even for gardeners inexperienced in growing southern fruits. The round fruits have a fluffy, carmine-colored skin. The dark flesh has a pleasant aroma and is difficult to separate from the pit.

Veteran is a large peach variety native to Kuban, with fruits reaching 160 g in weight. The tree grows up to 5 meters tall. The crown is large and dense. The flesh is sweet and dense, with a slightly tart flavor. Veteran produces up to 50 kg of fruit per season. Most fruits ripen on the tree in late August. The fruits have a long shelf life, making them suitable for transportation. The flesh also resists darkening from impacts and cuts. This peach variety is easy to grow, as it is resistant to most diseases and pests. Veteran is not susceptible to powdery mildew and clasterosporium.

The Autumn Blush peach is also grown in the former Kuban region. This variety produces gigantic fruits, up to 200 g. The flesh is not overly juicy, with a distinct sweet and sour flavor. The outside of the fruit is covered with a creamy skin. Thanks to its tender flesh, the fruit is equally often eaten raw or used to make juices, preserves, or jams. The Autumn Blush peach is easy to transport, making it often grown commercially. The best peach varieties for the Krasnodar Krai:

Golden Jubilee;
Early Kuban;
Springold;
Morettini's favorite;
Redhaven;
Collins.

Attention!

Peaches with moderate cold tolerance are needed for growing in these weather conditions.

The Boxer variety is popular in Kuban. It requires little care and is undemanding of soil conditions. Trees growing in clay soils and sand will produce equally bountiful harvests. The fruit of this variety is completely pubescent. The plant is winter-hardy and easily tolerates temperatures down to -30°C. A single fruit can weigh up to 140g. A red blush covers over 80% of the skin.

Crimean varieties of peaches

In Russia, this region is considered the main supplier of fruit. Crimean peaches are prized for their sweet flavor and vibrant aroma. All varieties grown in this area are short. Trees live up to 10 years on average, but produce abundant fruit. They are not picky about soil conditions. Even soils with shallow limestone beds typically produce a bountiful harvest in Crimea.

The White Swan variety is often chosen for Crimea. It's drought-resistant, making it ideal for those who want to grow fruit in their garden. The tree won't die even if the gardener only tends to it on weekends. Although popular in the south, it's also grown in temperate climates. This is due to its frost resistance. The White Swan thrives in temperatures down to 30°C. Breeders appreciate these peaches for:

sweet taste with a sour aftertaste;
attractive appearance;
pulp aroma;
self-fertility;
resistance to temperature changes;
the ability to systematically produce a large harvest.

Another variety often grown in Crimea is Favorit Morettini. It ripens as early as mid-July and produces fruit by the end of August. The tree grows relatively slowly, growing only 0.3-0.5 m tall over the course of a season. The medium-sized fruits weigh an average of 150 g. A tree can yield up to 40 kg of peaches in a single summer. Favorit Morettini is prized for its disease resistance. This peach variety is also resistant to most pests. It is considered a self-fertile variety, so several trees should be planted in one location.

The Grivna peach produces small but tasty fruits, averaging 90g. It is a hybrid variety, developed through selective breeding. It is considered a late-ripening variety. Gardeners harvest the first fruits in early September. The first peaches appear on the tree within 2-3 years after planting. Grivna produces sweet fruits covered in yellow skin with barely noticeable fuzz. The tree rarely suffers from powdery mildew and is resistant to leaf curl.

Attention!

The plant will be healthy if it is pruned in time and all damage is sealed with special fillings.

To get delicious fruit in your own garden, you can plant the Burgundy peach. This variety is frost-resistant, but not suitable for central Russia. For the fruit to be sweet, it requires constant access to sunlight during the ripening period. Peaches weigh approximately 130 g. This variety grows best in moist, fertile soil. Due to the risk of fruit drop, the red-leaved Burgundy is planted only in gardens. These trees are not suitable for urban landscaping.

Varieties for the Moscow region

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Temira is a Canadian peach that thrives in cool climates. Its leaves don't require constant sun, making it the best peach for the Moscow region. The fruits are sweet, with a subtle tartness. A single fruit can weigh up to 140 g. The first peaches appear on the tree as early as the second or third year. They are fully ripe by mid-July. Due to the attractive appearance and excellent taste of the fruit, Temira is often grown commercially.

The "Royal" variety was bred in England and is therefore naturally adapted to low sun exposure. It easily tolerates prolonged rainfall. The trees also thrive in the Moscow region, as they are frost-resistant. The skin of the fruit has a cherry hue. The fruit resembles a plum in appearance. Its flesh is sweet, with a bright and pleasant aroma. The pubescence on the skin is almost unnoticeable. Other peach varieties suitable for the Moscow region include:

Morettini's favorite;
Redhaven;
Greensboro;
Early Kyiv.

Reviews

Experienced gardeners advise studying the description of the peach variety before planting it in your garden. If you choose the wrong variety, the tree will quickly die or fail to bear fruit. In some regions, summers are quite warm, but with the onset of August, light shortages begin. Late-season peach varieties are not suitable for such areas: they will not ripen sufficiently, resulting in sour and tasteless fruits.

Attention!

Novice gardeners should consult with more experienced gardeners before planting. If the wrong variety is chosen, the tree will die with the first frost.

According to breeders, when purchasing seeds and seedlings, you should look not only at the plant's name but also at the tag with a photo. This can help you determine which tree will bloom in your garden. Some stores, especially smaller ones, may sell heat-loving fruits as winter-hardy peach varieties. Knowing what each plant type looks like eliminates the risk of being deceived.

It's impossible to definitively name the most delicious peach variety. Hundreds of breeders agree on this point. Preference for different varieties depends on taste preferences. For example, those who prefer sweet fruits prefer the Balconella dwarf peach. Those who prefer a tart flavor are more likely to choose the May Flower. These varieties are prized fresh. For canning, the Fluffy Early Peach is indispensable; it retains its shape and maintains its appetizing appearance.