Prunus persica Andromeda - Peach Tree

The Prunus persica Andromède® Zaidrome is a recent, vigorous, very productive and self-fertile variety, with rapid fruiting and resistant to diseases. It abundantly produces large-sized fruits, round in shape, with slightly fuzzy skin, rosy red in colour. Its white flesh is soft, juicy, very sweet and delicately flavoured. Harvesting takes place from mid-August to the end of August, and the fruits are consumed as they ripen. Susceptible to spring frosts, this peach prefers a warm, sunny and protected exposure. 

The Prunus persica (Peach) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, originating in China in the Sichuan and Guizhou regions around 500 BC. It appeared in Europe in the 6th century and experienced significant development in the 19th century. From then on, numerous selections aimed at improving the fruit's taste qualities took place.

The Andromède® Zaidrome variety is a recent creation from Pépinières Georges Delbard, France. This peach forms a small tree with a fairly erect structure, reaching 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet) in height, with a diameter of about 2 to 3 metres (7 to 10 feet). Its habit is suitable for low forms (goblet-shaped) or espaliers. Its foliage consists of lanceolate leaves, 8 to 15cm (3 to 6in) long and 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) wide, with toothed and wavy edges, bright green in colour, turning yellow-orange in autumn before falling. The leaves have a slight almond fragrance. In early April, the pink flowers, 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter, appear individually, before the leaves on the previous year's branches. They can be destroyed by frost from -2 to -3 °C. It has a remarkably decorative spring flowering, and is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies. It is hardy down to -15°C, although it is sensitive to late spring frosts that damage its flowers and affect fruiting. Self-fertile variety, not requiring other peach trees nearby for pollination. Harvesting of the fruits begins in mid-August and continues until the end of August as they ripen. It is a large-sized peach, weighing between 180 and 240 grams.

Peaches are very fragile, so they should be delicately handpicked. The fruits can be consumed immediately after harvesting.  Tasty and delicious, peaches are best eaten fresh. They are ideal for making compotes, ice creams and sorbets, tarts, pastries, fruit salads or combinations, as accompaniments to savoury meat dishes (duck, rabbit, chicken, etc.) or fish (salmon, cod, etc.). They are also perfect for making juices or fruit syrups. Rich in water, peaches are refreshing and thirst-quenching. They have a fleshy texture that is very satisfying. Low in calories, they are rich in potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, with a significant iron content. Their vitamin C and B content, antioxidants, and fibre make peaches a health asset. They are invigorating, energising, and rehydrating. The fruits can be stored for one week in a cool place, away from light.

Like many fruit trees, peach trees prefer rich, deep, and well-drained soils. They do not tolerate excess water, heavy and compacted soils, or limestone soils. They prefer a sunny exposure, sheltered from drafts and cold winds. A southeast or southwest exposure is ideal. In regions that frequently experience late spring frosts, peach trees can be trained against a south-facing wall. Very popular for its fruits, peach trees find their rightful place in the garden, delighting both young and old. With a wide range of varieties available, it is easy to find the one that best suits one's preferences.