Flordaking Peach Tree is an early-ripening peach variety well suited to North Florida and other areas of the lower South that receive approximately 450 winter chill hours. It produces medium to large peaches with attractive yellow skin, a red blush, juicy yellow flesh, and a sweet, traditional peach flavor. One of the main advantages of Flordaking is its very early harvest. In North Florida, the fruit may begin ripening in early to mid-May, depending on winter chill, spring temperatures, and local growing conditions. This makes Flordaking one of the first peach varieties of the season. The fruit has soft, melting yellow flesh and is generally considered clingstone, meaning the flesh tends to hold onto the pit. The peaches are excellent for fresh eating and can also be used for cobblers, pies, preserves, freezing, and other recipes. Flordaking produces beautiful pink flowers in late winter or early spring before developing its early crop. It is a good choice for home orchards, farms, edible landscapes, and backyard growers searching for an early peach tree for North Florida, the Florida Panhandle, South Alabama, or the Gulf Coast. Plant Details • Botanical Name: Prunus persica ‘Flordaking’• Common Name: Flordaking Peach Tree• Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree• Fruit Size: Medium to large• Fruit Skin: Yellow with an attractive red blush• Fruit Flesh: Yellow, juicy, soft, and melting• Fruit Flavor: Sweet with a traditional peach flavor• Stone Type: Clingstone• Harvest Season: Very early season; often early to mid-May in North Florida• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring• Flower Color: Pink• Chill Hours: Approximately 450 chill hours• Mature Size: Commonly maintained around 10–15 feet tall and wide with annual pruning; an unpruned tree may grow larger• Sunlight: Full sun, preferably at least 8 hours each day• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil• USDA Zones: Generally suited to zones 7–9 where its chill requirement is met• Pollination: Self-fertile• Uses: Fresh eating, baking, cobblers, pies, preserves, freezing, home orchards, and edible landscapes Pollination Flordaking Peach Tree is self-fertile, so one tree can produce fruit without another peach variety nearby. Planting another peach tree with a similar bloom period is not required, but having additional peach trees nearby may increase pollinator activity and can sometimes improve overall fruit production. Bees and other beneficial insects help pollinate the spring flowers. Avoid applying insecticides while the tree is actively blooming. Growing Flordaking Peach Trees Plant Flordaking Peach Trees in full sun where they will receive good air circulation. Peach trees need well-drained soil and should not be planted in low or wet areas where water collects around the roots. Slightly elevated planting locations may help reduce damage from late freezes because cold air tends to settle in lower areas. Water regularly while the tree becomes established. Once established, provide additional water during extended dry periods and while the fruit is developing. Apply mulch around the root area to help conserve moisture and reduce weeds, but keep mulch several inches away from the trunk. Pruning and Fruit Thinning Peach trees produce fruit on growth that developed during the previous year. Annual pruning encourages new fruiting wood and helps maintain an open canopy with better sunlight and air circulation. Flordaking Peach Trees are commonly trained to an open-center or vase-shaped form. Regular pruning can keep the tree around 10–15 feet tall, making the fruit easier to harvest and the tree easier to maintain. When the tree produces a heavy crop, thin the young peaches so the remaining fruit has enough room to develop. Fruit thinning helps produce larger peaches and reduces the risk of overloaded branches breaking. North Florida Growing Note Flordaking is one of the better-known peach varieties for North Florida and the Florida Panhandle. Its approximately 450-hour chill requirement is generally a good match for many locations in our region. The exact amount of winter chill received varies by location and from year to year. A warm winter may result in delayed or uneven flowering, while an early bloom can sometimes be damaged by a late freeze. For best results, plant the tree in a sunny, well-drained location with good air movement and avoid low areas where cold air collects. Harvesting Flordaking Peaches Flordaking is a very early-season peach. In North Florida, the fruit may ripen from early to mid-May, although harvest time can vary with weather and location. Peaches are ready to harvest when the background color changes from green to yellow, the fruit develops a noticeable peach fragrance, and it gives slightly when gently pressed. Because the flesh is soft and juicy when ripe, handle the peaches carefully to prevent bruising. Local Pickup and Limited Shipping Most of our Flordaking Peach Trees are available for local pickup at our nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Local delivery may be available within our service area. Limited shipping may be available for select smaller trees or bare-root plants. Please contact us before placing an order that requires shipping. Shipping charges are calculated separately and are not included in the product price. Bare-root peach trees are seasonal and may need to be preordered by November. Sizes and availability may vary throughout the year. Wholesale Availability Wholesale pricing may be available for qualified nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, farms, and other plant-related businesses. Available sizes, quantities, and pricing change throughout the year. Please contact us for current wholesale information. Advanced Nursery Growers LLC1911 McLeod RoadDeFuniak Springs, FL 32435Phone: (850) 391-2228Email: [email protected]
