Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Prunus persica 'Sam Houston'
Plant Common Name
Peach, Sam Houston Peach, Yellow Freestone Peach
General Description
Released in 1965 by Texas A&M University, this peach has lower chilling requirements than many others, making it more suitable for warmer subtropical zones. It produces a generous late spring and early summer crop of sweet, juicy, red-blushed fruit with low acidity and superior flavor. A freestone variety, it is ideal for canning, baking, and eating fresh. Self-fertile, it does not require a second pollinator tree in order to produce fruit.
Peach trees prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil which receives regular moisture. Periodic fertilizing is beneficial for good fruit production. The trees also require heavy pruning, which should be done annually during the dormant season. Removal of fallen leaves and diseased wood helps to deter the spread of peach leaf curl and brown rot, fungal diseases which may afflict some peaches. The early spring flowers of peach trees may be susceptible to killing frosts in colder areas.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
12'-20' / 3.7m - 6.1m
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Width
12'-20' / 3.7m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
China
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Peach
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Corky
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Usage
Fruit / Fruit Tree
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
