What Is the Month for Harvesting Peaches?

Harvest Time

• Peaches come in hundreds of varieties, notes Russ Parsons in "How to Pick a Peach." The harvest time of all peaches differs, falling roughly between early May and early September. Most varieties ripen within a week or two and are harvested in this short period and then they are gone for the season. Peaches perish under high temperatures and are only recommended for cold storage for up to 14 days.

Color

• The color of the ripe fruit also differs by varieties and is indicated by deep yellow to creamy white shades. The fruit that is harvested when it is too green does not develop a good flavor once ripe, often failing to ripen at all. Some peaches develop a red blush on the skin but this is not an indicator of ripening. Peaches are referred to as climactic fruits and, when picked at the right ripened stage, they continue to sweeten and ripen even after harvesting. This is as opposed to cherries that do not alter significantly in flavor or texture after harvesting.

Variety Selection

• Peaches are broadly classified as freestone or clingstone. As the name suggests, the seed of the freestone does not cling to the fruit flesh as it does in the clingstone varieties. Peaches are self-fertile and do not need a second tree for effective fertilization, setting fruit with its own pollen. The trees bloom early in the season, which makes the flowers highly prone to damage from winter frosts, especially in areas with severe winters. The Ohio State University Extension recommends planting three or four varieties to extend the harvest period to cover any losses occurred from flower damage.

Planting Suggestions

• Plant the tree in an area of full sun and out of the shade of structures or larger trees. Select an elevated site to reduce chance of frost pocket development and cold damage. Peaches prefer a sandy, well-drained loam and are poorly tolerant of wet or soggy ground. Amend soil with organic material like grass clippings, compost or manure. When planting, make sure the bud union is positioned at least an inch above the soil. Avoid planting very deep as this can lead to poor growth or even death.