Contender Peach Tree

Contender Peach Tree Overview

Contender originated in North Carolina Agricultural Experimental Station in 1974 by F.E. Correll. It has complex parentage, which includes Candor, Elberta, J.H. Hale, Redhaven, Redskin, Summercrest, and Sunhigh. Fruit is large and round, skin has 70% bright red over yellow ground color at maturity. Ripens three weeks after Redhaven. Tree has superior flower bud hardiness and moderate resistance to bacterial spot.

The Contender peach tree is an ideal freestone tree if you live in a cold climate (Northern United States) and want a juicy, succulent peach. Not only does the tree bear reliably and consistently, but it is also regarded as having the tastiest fruits. In addition to eating the contender peaches fresh, you can also use them for baking and canning. Moreover, the fruits won’t go brown before their time and the occasional late spring frost won’t destroy the crop. When the peach trees start to bloom in the early spring, your garden will be adorned with beautiful pink flowers. However, in order for the trees to bud, they require 1050 chill hours below 45 degrees F (7 degrees Celsius).  If you would like more information on how to plant and grow this tree, see our guide.

Growing Characteristics

• Uses: Eating fresh and baking
• Taste: Firm, sweet, and juicy
• Fruit Size: Medium
• Size at Maturity: 10-12 ft. in height
• Color: Yellow with a red blush
• Type: Freestone
• Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Harvest period: August
• Pollination: Self-Pollinating
• Cultivation: This peach tree grows best in full sun with loamy well drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. It will bear fruit 2-3 years after planting but must be pruned in order for the crop to grow well.
• Diseases: The tree is susceptible to bacterial canker, brown rot, and silver leaf so be sure to protect it from these diseases. In order to prevent peach leaf curl, cover the plant during the winter. Copper sprays can help protect this tree form diseases such as canker.