The UFGold Peach Tree is a productive, low-chill peach developed by the University of Florida for areas with mild winters. It produces large, attractive peaches with firm yellow flesh and a deep red blush covering most of the orange-yellow skin. UFGold is known for producing heavy annual crops under suitable growing conditions. Its firm, non-melting flesh holds its texture as the peach ripens, making it an excellent choice for fresh eating, local markets, preserves, cobblers and other homemade desserts. Plant Details Botanical Name: Prunus persica ‘UFGold’ Common Name: UFGold Peach Also Known As: UF Gold Peach Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree Origin: University of Florida Release Year: 1996 Chill Requirement: Approximately 200 chill hours Climate Classification: Low-chill peach Growth Habit: Vigorous and productive Mature Height: Approximately 12–15 feet when maintained Mature Width: Approximately 10–15 feet Sun Requirements: Full sun Daily Sunlight: At least 6–8 hours Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring Flower Color: Pink Fruit Development Period: Approximately 80 days from bloom to harvest Harvest Season: Early season, generally early May in Gainesville, Florida; timing varies by location and weather Fruit Size: Large Fruit Shape: Round and symmetrical Fruit Skin: Orange-yellow background covered with approximately 70–90% red blush Flesh Color: Yellow Flesh Type: Firm and non-melting Pit Type: Clingstone Flavor: Sweet with a pleasant peach flavor Uses: Fresh eating, preserves, jam, cobblers, pies and other desserts Fruit and Flavor UFGold produces large, symmetrical peaches with an orange-yellow background covered by an attractive red blush. The yellow flesh is firm and non-melting. Non-melting peaches remain firm as they ripen rather than becoming extremely soft. This allows the fruit to hold its shape and texture longer after harvesting. UFGold is a clingstone peach, meaning the flesh remains attached to the pit when the fruit is ripe. The peaches are suitable for fresh eating, slicing, preserves, jam, cobblers and other homemade desserts. Pollination UFGold is self-fertile, so one tree can produce peaches without another peach variety nearby. A second peach tree is not required for cross-pollination. However, bees and other pollinating insects help move pollen among the flowers and can improve fruit set. North Florida Growing Note UFGold requires approximately 200 chill hours, so it should normally receive more than enough winter chilling in the DeFuniak Springs area. Because its chill requirement is low, the tree may finish dormancy and bloom early. Flowers and young fruit can be damaged if warm winter weather is followed by a late freeze. Plant UFGold in a sunny, elevated location rather than a low area where cold air settles. Avoid locations that remain wet following heavy rainfall. UFGold can be grown as a low-chill specialty peach in North Florida, but it may not be as freeze-reliable as varieties with chilling requirements more closely matched to the colder Florida Panhandle. Planting and Care Plant UFGold in full sun where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a location with excellent drainage. Peach trees do not tolerate standing water or continuously wet roots. Sandy North Florida soil is suitable when the tree receives regular water and proper nutrition. Train the tree to an open-center or vase shape with three to four main scaffold branches. This allows sunlight and air to reach the center of the tree and makes harvesting and routine care easier. UFGold can produce heavy crops. Thin young peaches when they are approximately nickel-sized, leaving about 6–8 inches between fruit. Proper thinning improves fruit size and quality while reducing the chance of branches breaking. Prune annually because peach trees produce fruit primarily on wood that grew during the previous season. Local Pickup & Limited Shipping Local pickup is available for most plants and trees at our nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Limited shipping may be available for select trees, liners, and smaller plants in 3-gallon containers or smaller. Shipping availability depends on the plant variety, size, quantity, destination, and packaging requirements. Shipping charges are calculated separately. Please contact us before ordering if shipping is needed to confirm that the plant can be shipped and to receive the current shipping cost. Advanced Nursery Growers LLC1911 McLeod RoadDeFuniak Springs, FL 32435Phone: 850-391-2228Email: [email protected]: www.AdvancedNurseryGrowers.com Wholesale pricing is available for qualified nurseries. Please contact Advanced Nursery Growers for current availability and wholesale pricing.
