The Belle of Georgia Peach is a tried and true variety that grows bright red blooms in spring, followed by large peaches in late summer. Belle of Georgia Peaches have red-blushed skin and firm, freestone white flesh that is sweet, juicy, and streaked with red spots. The fruit is considered of the highest eating quality, and is often used for canning, making jellies, and baking. Belle of Georgia Peach Trees are self-fertile and can be grown in USDA Zones 5 to 8.
The Belle of Georgia Peach Tree grows to a mature size of 15 to 25 feet tall with a spread of about 10 to 20 feet. It is a fast grower and can add as much as 24-inches of branch length per year. It prefers full sun, sandy, well-drained soil, and consistent access to water. The Belle of Georgia Peach Tree has a chill requirement of 800 hours, and a newly planted tree will grow fruit in 2 to 4 years.
Since the Belle of Georgia Peach Tree is a fast grower, it is important to space trees between 12 and 15 feet apart. Belle of Georgia Peach Trees are self-fertile, but you can increase yields by planting more than one tree. Grouping two or three Belle of Georgia Peach Trees, or planting a row of 4 or more trees, can add a decorative and productive element to the home garden.
If you have restrictions with regard to planting space, you can also grow a Belle of Georgia Peach Tree in a container. Container grown fruit trees can add a sophisticated touch to any patio or deck. Be sure the pot you use has holes for water drainage, and is large enough to accommodate growth. Re-pot your Belle of Georgia Peach Tree each year into a larger pot until it is in a 17-gallon or similar size container.
Fruit & Harvesting
Belle of Georgia Peach Trees produce large orange to red fruit up to 4 or more inches tall. The firm flesh is white with infrequent red spots, juicy, and sweet with a slight tartness. This makes a terrifically balanced fruit that is great fresh, in fruit salads, or for baking and preserves. The fruit is also used to make healthful smoothies and juice drinks.
When the peaches start to darken and turn red, you can begin trying them to see if they are getting ripe. By mid August you should begin finding more and more ripe fruits on your Belle of Georgia Peach Tree. A ripe peach is fragrant, firm but not rock-hard, and has a juicy, sweet flesh. Do a taste test and with a little experience you will know a ripe fruit by look and feel
Growing Zones
Advice
To plant your new Belle of Georgia Peach Tree pick a spot that gets as much full sun per day as possible. Be sure the soil has good drainage by testing a 1-foot deep hole. Fill the hole with water. If the water has not fully drained within 1 hour, you may need to amend the soil with coarse sand or perlite to facilitate better drainage.
Dig a hole that is at least 8 inches wider on all sides than the potted tree’s root ball. Place the potted tree into the hole and be sure the hole is not too deep. The surface of the potted root ball should be even with what will become the planted tree’s soil surface. Once the hole is ready, back fill with soil and water in. Water the new tree once per week for the first year, and fertilize in spring and summer until the tree is fully established.
FAQs
How old is the Belle of Georgia Peach Tree variety?
Belle of Georgia Peach Trees are known to have originated in Georgia sometime in the 1870s, making them a variety that has been cultivated for about 150 years.
Do Belle of Georgia Peach Trees have to be pruned?
Pruning peach trees is recommended because it helps the tree to grow a sturdy crown of branches to support heavy crops. Pruning also helps the new spring growth to emerge with more vigor. You can also prune your Belle of Georgia Peach Trees to keep their size manageable.
Can I grow a Belle of Georgia Peach Tree in North Carolina?
Yes. You can grow a Belle of Georgia Peach Tree in USDA Zones 5 to 8, which makes North Carolina one of the most ideal locations for this variety.
When are Belle of Georgia Peaches ripe?
Belle of Georgia Peach Trees bloom in spring and the fruit is normally ripe in late August.
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