Peaches grow successfully in Texas and are the state’s leading deciduous fruit crop, providing a substantial local harvest each summer. An estimated half-million trees are planted for commercial use statewide. Although the overall tree count is lower than its historical peak, demand for high-quality, tree-ripened fruit remains strong. The industry is highly localized, with most Texas-grown peaches consumed within the state and sold directly by individual growers.
Key Peach-Growing Regions of Texas
Peach production is concentrated in three main areas that offer the necessary environmental conditions for successful cultivation. The most well-known region is the Texas Hill Country, specifically Gillespie County around Fredericksburg and Stonewall. This area is associated with the state’s best peaches due to a unique combination of limestone-rich soil and sufficient winter chilling; Gillespie County accounts for approximately one-third of the commercial acreage. Central North West Texas, centered around Montague and Parker counties, is another important area, with Weatherford designated as the “Peach Capital of Texas.” East Texas, including Smith and surrounding counties, also maintains a commercial presence. Peaches require well-drained soil, ideally a sandy loam at least 18 to 24 inches deep, to prevent waterlogged roots.
The Essential Requirement of Chill Hours
The most influential factor for peach cultivation in Texas is the accumulation of “chill hours.” A chill hour is defined as an hour during the dormant season when the temperature falls between 32°F and 45°F (0°C and 7°C). These cold temperatures are biologically necessary to break the dormancy of flower and leaf buds, allowing the tree to bloom and produce fruit normally in the spring. If a peach tree does not receive enough chill hours, it will not bloom properly, resulting in a poor or non-existent crop. Peach varieties are categorized by chilling requirements, which vary from 150 hours to over 1,000 hours. Because Texas winters are unpredictable, growers must select varieties whose requirements match their location’s average winter conditions. Low-chill varieties are necessary in warmer Central and South Texas, where traditional high-chill northern varieties would fail to fruit.
Best Peach Varieties for Texas Growers
Selecting the correct peach cultivar depends on the specific chill hour requirements of the growing region. Central Texas, including the Hill Country, generally averages 600 to 800 chill hours, while North Texas averages 750 to 850 hours. Growers often plant a mix of varieties with different chilling needs to ensure a harvest even during unusual winter weather.
For medium-chill requirements (around 600–650 hours), ‘June Gold’ and ‘La Feliciana’ are recommended. ‘June Gold’ is a dependable, yellow-fleshed freestone that ripens early, often in late May to early June. ‘La Feliciana’ is valued for its reliable production and resistance to bacteriosis.
In cooler North Texas regions with higher chill hours, popular choices include ‘Harvester,’ ‘Redskin,’ and ‘Dixieland.’ ‘Harvester’ is an early freestone variety appearing in June, while ‘Redskin’ and ‘Dixieland’ are later-season freestones ripening in mid-to-late July. Freestone peaches, where the flesh separates easily from the pit, are preferred for eating and processing. Planting varieties that ripen sequentially allows growers to extend the harvest window from late spring through late summer.
Experiencing the Texas Peach Season
The Texas peach season typically runs from late spring through summer, generally May through August. The earliest varieties start ripening before Memorial Day, and the harvest continues in successive waves until around Labor Day, with the peak season occurring in June and July. This staggered ripening schedule is maintained by planting multiple varieties that mature at different times.
Consumers can best enjoy the fresh crop by visiting local farm stands and farmers’ markets. The roadside stand model is prevalent because peaches are a highly perishable commodity. Many orchards, particularly in the Hill Country, offer “Pick Your Own” or U-Pick operations, allowing visitors to harvest their own fruit. The harvest is celebrated with annual events, such as the Stonewall Peach JAMboree and the Parker County Peach Festival in Weatherford.