Red Baron Peach

Plant Type: deciduous fruit tree
Plant Height: 12–15 feet
Spread: 12–15 feet
Flower Color: double red-pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Red Baron Peach (Prunus persica ‘Red Baron’): Ornamental Beauty with Delicious Fruit

Red Baron Peach is a dual-purpose tree admired for its stunning double red-pink blossoms in spring and its delicious, juicy peaches in summer. With its combination of ornamental beauty and reliable fruit production, it’s a favorite for edible landscapes in Arizona.

Key Features of Red Baron Peach

• Showy Spring Blooms: Produces spectacular double red-pink blossoms that rival ornamental flowering trees.
• Delicious Fruit: Bears medium to large yellow-fleshed peaches with excellent flavor, typically ripening in mid-to-late summer.
• Compact Growth: Semi-dwarf tree is manageable for small to medium yards.
• Low Chill Requirement: Needs only about 250–300 chill hours, making it well-suited for desert climates.

Growing and Care Tips

Red Baron Peach thrives in warm, sunny areas when given proper care and pruning.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-draining loam; amend clay soils to improve drainage.
Water: Deep water every 7–10 days during the growing season; more frequently during fruit development.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer in early spring and midsummer.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to open the canopy, increase airflow, and encourage new fruiting wood.

Landscaping Uses

• Edible Landscapes: Combines ornamental flowering beauty with productive harvests.
• Backyard Orchards: Excellent as a single specimen or in a home orchard mix.
• Pollinator Gardens: Spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
• Small Yards: Compact size makes it ideal for suburban landscapes.

Summary

Red Baron Peach is the perfect blend of beauty and productivity, with stunning double blooms in spring and flavorful summer fruit. Its low chill requirement and compact form make it a top choice for Arizona gardens.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Red Baron Peach

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun with good air circulation.
Soil: Well-draining fertile soil preferred.
Spacing: Space 12–15 feet apart.
Planting Depth: Keep graft union 2–3 inches above soil level.
Support: May require staking in the first year.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply after planting.
• Frequency: Every 5–7 days for the first 2–3 months.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak soil 12–18 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 1 year of consistent watering and strong new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 7–10 days; increase during fruit set.
• Winter: Water every 3–4 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 2–3 emitters around the drip line.
Flow Rate: 2 gallons per hour.
Number of Emitters: Two for young trees; three to four for mature trees.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase during fruit development and hot weather; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Red Baron Peach:

• Soil Check: Keep soil consistently moist during bloom and fruiting, but avoid waterlogging.
• Avoid Drought Stress: Dry spells can cause small fruit or premature drop.
• Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch away from the trunk.