Prunus persica Flatqueen - Flat Peach tree

Prunus persica Flatqueen is a very vigorous and productive variety of peach. The tree has an upright habit and produces large, flat peaches with a beautiful red colour. Their white flesh is very tasty, being quite sweet. This rather hardy variety can be grown in most regions, although the south remains its preferred zone. However, its semi-late flowering makes it less susceptible than others to late spring frosts.

The Prunus genus, which includes fruit trees and ornamental plants, trees and bushes, is part of the very large family of Rosaceae. It also includes most of our other fruit trees (Apple, Cherry, Apricot...), wild plants from the countryside and forests, and many ornamental plants (Kerria, Photinia, Amelanchier, Roses...). Prunus persica derives its species name from the Greeks who, during Alexander's expedition (4th century BC), discovered it in Persia and named it the Persian apple, malum persicum. They were unaware that this small tree, indeed cultivated for a long time in Persia, actually originated from North China and Mongolia.
Flatqueen® is a French variety developed by A. and L. Maillard, forming a small, upright and spreading tree, reaching heights of 4.50 to 5 m and a spread of 3.5 to 4 m. Its growth is vigorous, with the plant budding relatively early in the season. The flowering, however, is semi-late, occurring in late March and April, which reduces the risk of spring frost affecting the flowers. The variety is self-fertile, which eliminates the need to plant another tree as a pollinator. Furthermore, it exhibits significant floribundity, giving it a slight ornamental quality that is not without interest when the small light pink flowers bloom. In intensive cultivation in professional orchards, Flatqueen requires considerable thinning. Some of the flowers are removed to prevent too many fruits from forming (especially since the setting rate, the transformation of the ovary into fruit, is excellent), in order not to hinder the size of the fruits. Under these conditions, the size is quite significant for this variety, which generally produces fruits weighing 100 to 130 grams. Reaching maturity from mid-July in the southern regions, and in August further north, the peaches are flat, with a thick skin of very uniform red, covering 70 to 90% of the total surface of the fruit. The medium-sized stone is loose, making it easier to consume the fruit. The white flesh is firm enough, with a fine and juicy texture. It is fragrant and sweeter than that of round fruits. The peach can be enjoyed raw, cooked, sweetened, salted, flambéed, frozen or deglazed. It pairs very well with wine and certain meats, such as duck. It features in many recipes, including jams, compotes, and pastries... The fruits of Flatqueen are notably less susceptible to storage diseases.

Highly productive and easy to grow, the Flatqueen Peach is particularly less sensitive to a lack of winter chill, which in some other varieties causes bud drop. It could serve as the starting point for a small orchard where you can combine it with other original fruit trees, such as the Bigarreau Cherry 'Stark Gold'. This self-fertile tree produces golden-yellow cherries that add an ornamental touch. To maintain both ornamental and taste appeal, Diospyros kaki 'Korea' stands out as an obvious choice. Not only will this Persimmon provide you with delicious fruits late in the season, from October, but they are also particularly decorative and visible when the tree has shed its leaves. And before they fall, the leaves will offer a display of flamboyant colours.