Characteristics of the Mexican Yellow Peach and Its Growing Techniques and Management Notes
The large fruit of the Mexican yellow peach has a striking red blush and is sweet and juicy. This low-fuzz fruit is delicious eaten straight from the tree, but the firmness of this peach makes it the best choice for freezing.
USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8 are ideal for this vigorous, productive tree because, like all peach trees, the Messina needs winter chilling. Continue reading to learn more about the Messina yellow peach. Messina Peach Information The Messina peach was introduced by the Rutgers University New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station. The Messina peach tree has earned good reviews for its vigorous growth habit and low susceptibility to bacterial leaf spot.
Depending on the climate, look for Messina peaches to ripen between mid-July and mid-August. Messina Peach Care The Messina tree is self-pollinating. However, a nearby pollinator may result in a larger crop. Choose a variety that blooms relatively early, like the Messina peach. Plant this peach tree where it can receive at least six to eight hours of full sun per day.
Avoid heavy clay locations, because growing Messina peaches requires well-drained soil. Peach trees may also struggle in sandy, fast-draining conditions. Before planting, amend the soil with plenty of rotted manure, dry leaves, grass clippings or compost. Do not add fertilizer to the planting hole.
Once established, the Messina peach tree generally does not need much supplemental irrigation if you have regular rainfall. If the weather is hot and dry, soak the tree thoroughly every 7 to 10 days. Fertilize the Messina when the tree begins to bear fruit. Before that, rotted manure or compost is sufficient unless the soil is very poor. Use a peach tree or orchard fertilizer to feed the peach tree in early spring.
Do not fertilize the peach tree after July 1, because a flush of new growth is vulnerable to winter freezing. Pruning the Messina peach tree is most effective when the tree is dormant; otherwise, you may weaken the tree. However, you can prune lightly in summer to tidy up the tree. Remove suckers when they appear, because they draw water and nutrients from the tree.
