Description
About the Contender Peach Tree
The Contender peach is known for being cold-hardy and having excellent disease resistance. Developed in Raleigh, NC, it was introduced in 1988. It is part of the peach tree family, prunus persica.
Grow peaches in regions where temperatures fall well below zero! This exceptionally hardy variety is perfect for northern orchards. It consistently yields large crops of sweet, juicy medium-to-large fruit.
The yellow flesh is perfect for eating fresh, canning, or freezing. It is a freestone peach (also known as a melting peach,) meaning the flesh separates easily from the peach pit.
The tree blooms with an abundance of showing pink blossoms in the spring. It is self-pollinating, but adding another pollinator nearby may increase the size of your crop.
Enjoying the Fruit
These peaches are medium to large and non-browning! They are delicious to eat fresh and perfect for home preservation. Enjoy peach pies, cobbler, ice cream, and more.
Peaches are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain vitamin A and beta-carotene.
Growing Contender Peach Trees
These fruit trees need full sun and well-drained soil. To produce the best fruit, peach trees should be pruned, and the fruit should be thinned.
Contender peaches have excellent resistance to bacterial leaf spot. This tree requires 1000 chill hours during the winter, meaning it needs that number of hours between 32° and 45° F to go dormant and properly set fruit in the spring. See below to view this plant’s USDA zone compatibility.
Buy a Contender Peach tree to enjoy growing peaches that are cold-hardy and disease resistant.
Survival Guaranteed!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
Bloom Color | Pink |
Bloom Time | Late |
Chill Hours | 1000 |
Fruit Color | Red |
Fruit Size | Medium - Large |
Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
Ripens/Harvest | August |
Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
Soil Composition | Loamy |
Soil Moisture | Well Drained - Average Moistness |
Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
Taste | Sweet |
Texture | Firm |
Years to Bear | 2 - 4 |
Zone Range | 4 - 8 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow peach trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.