Peach Harbinger

Peach Harbinger (Рrunus persica Harbinger) – a precocious, early-ripening peach variety. Obtained in 1991 from a cross of Cherry Red x (Jerseyland x May Flower).

It is a vigorous-growing tree. Blooms early. Begins fruiting early and yields regularly.

Fruits medium to large, weighing 120-300 g; at maturity light orange with a reddish-maroon blush, round or oval in shape. Flesh yellow-orange, juicy, aromatic, of medium firmness. Stone separates (freestone). Taste rating - 4.7 points.

Hardiness zone: 5-8 (-23°С).

Location: requires sunny, wind-protected sites. During fruit set moderate watering is recommended. Prefers loamy or sandy loam soils. Drought resistance is low; heat tolerance below average.

Planting and care: planting is recommended in spring, but can also be done in autumn (in which case mulching of the trunk circle and heaping up to a height of 20-30 cm is necessary). The planting hole should be at least 0.7x0.7 m, with spacing 4x4 m. Mix 10 kg of well-rotted manure and 150 g of superphosphate with soil and backfill the seedling with the roots spread out. The trunk circle should be compacted to the edges, watered well (4-5 buckets) and mulched with a layer of compost to a depth of 8-10 cm.

Pruning: requires moderate watering and formative pruning. For improved yield the improved vase training method is applied. After planting the seedling remove all lateral branches. Leave 3-4 scaffold branches spaced 10-20 cm apart. The leader should be cut at the base of the upper lateral branch. In the second year shorten first-order branches if they are longer than 50 cm or change their growth direction. In subsequent years pruning should be aimed at fruiting. Rejuvenation pruning is carried out from bud swell to the beginning of flowering. If frost damage occurs, pruning is carried out after the appearance of water sprouts on trunks and branches. The variety requires crop load regulation.

Diseases and pests: disease resistance is high

Use: the variety is distinguished by high winter hardiness, high yields, precocity, early ripening and excellent fruit flavor quality.