The durazno tree (Prunus persica) is a popular fruit tree cultivated for its sweet, juicy fruit. This guide covers growing and maintaining a durazno tree, from understanding its characteristics to harvesting its delicious peaches.
Understanding the Durazno Tree
The durazno tree (Prunus persica) is a deciduous tree in the Prunus genus, which also includes cherries, apricots, and plums. It is a small to medium-sized tree, reaching 10 to 13 feet, though some varieties can grow up to 25 feet if unpruned. The tree has a relatively short lifespan, producing fruit for 10 to 20 years.
Durazno trees feature glossy green, lance-shaped leaves. In early spring, before leaves fully emerge, the tree produces showy, cup-shaped flowers, white to pink or red, often solitary or in pairs, with a pleasant fragrance. The fruit, a drupe, develops from these flowers, ripening from late spring to mid-summer, characterized by its fuzzy skin and a single large pit.
Cultivating Durazno Trees
Ideal Growing Conditions
Durazno trees thrive in areas with distinct cold winters and warm, dry summers, performing well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, with optimal growth in Zones 6 to 8. They require full sun exposure, 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, particularly morning sun, which helps dry dew and prevent fungal issues. Planting in an elevated location can also protect against late spring frosts by allowing cold air to drain away.
Well-draining, fertile soil is necessary, as durazno trees are susceptible to disease in wet conditions. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal. If the soil is heavy clay, amend it with sand or compost to improve drainage.
Planting Guidelines
The best time to plant durazno trees is while they are dormant, in late winter or early spring. Dig a hole that is slightly deeper and two to three times wider than the root spread. For grafted trees, position the graft union about 2 to 3 inches above the soil line to ensure the scion does not root, maintaining the desired tree size.
Space standard-sized trees 15 to 20 feet apart, while dwarf varieties can be planted 10 to 12 feet apart. After placing the tree, spread the roots and backfill the hole with the original soil, tamping it down to remove air pockets. Immediately after planting, water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Newly planted durazno trees require consistent, deep watering once or twice a week to establish roots, depending on weather and soil conditions. During hot summer months, water more frequently to keep the root ball moist but not soggy. Established trees need about an inch of rainfall every 7 to 10 days; supplemental watering is required during dry periods. Check the top 3 inches of soil for dryness to determine when to water.
Fertilization is important for vigorous growth. Mature durazno trees (4 to 10 years old) benefit from 1 to 2 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer in March and May. For newly planted trees, avoid mixing nitrogen fertilizer directly into the planting hole. Instead, in March after planting, distribute 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer around the drip line, avoiding the trunk. Follow this with ½ cup of ammonium nitrate or 1 cup of calcium nitrate in May and July.
Pruning maintains tree structure and promotes fruit production. The open-center or vase shape system is recommended, involving selecting three to five evenly spaced scaffold branches angled outward from the trunk, typically 18 to 24 inches above the ground. Dormant pruning, performed in late winter or early spring, is ideal for structural work and removing dead or diseased wood. Summer pruning can address new growth, but extensive cutting should be avoided. Thinning fruit about 4 to 6 weeks after blooming, leaving peaches 6 to 8 inches apart, ensures larger, higher-quality fruit.
Common Pests and Diseases
Durazno trees are susceptible to common pests and diseases that require attention to maintain tree health and fruit quality. Common insect pests include aphids, which cause distorted leaves, and peach tree borers, which damage the trunk.
Fungal diseases are a significant concern. Peach leaf curl results in leaves that pucker, thicken, and often turn red or purple, eventually yellowing and dropping. A proactive fungicide application after leaf drop in the fall or before bud break in spring can prevent this. Brown rot is a fungal disease affecting blossoms, shoots, and fruit, leading to wilting flowers, cankers, and fruit decay. Symptoms include small, circular brown spots on fruit that rapidly expand. Removing mummified fruit from the tree and ground, and ensuring good air circulation through pruning, helps manage brown rot. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, young shoots, and green fruit, often leading to distorted growth. Good air circulation and removing infected plant parts are important preventative measures.
Harvesting Durazno Fruit
Harvest durazno fruit for optimal flavor and texture. Peaches are ready when their ground color changes from green to a full yellow, with no green remaining. The red blush on the fruit is a varietal characteristic and not always an indicator of ripeness. Ripe peaches will also feel slightly soft to the touch, and they should detach easily from the branch with a gentle twist. Fruits located on the top and outer parts of the tree typically ripen first.
When picking, handle the fruit carefully to avoid bruising, which can lead to rapid spoilage. Immediately after harvest, peaches can be stored at room temperature until fully ripe, then refrigerated for short-term storage. They are best consumed within a few days of ripening.