How to Care for a Red Haven Peach Tree

The Redhaven peach tree (Prunus persica) is one variety of drupe and stone fruit trees. Hardy and attractive, the Redhaven is "the standard of all peaches," according to the University of Missouri Extension Division of Plant Sciences. Mature peach trees can produce up to three bushels of juicy, tasty fruit. With the proper care and maintenance, Redhaven peach trees that produce succulent fruit for many years can be successfully grown.

Water hose

12-12-12 fertilizer

Pruning shears

Water Redhaven peach trees during the summer, especially during times of drought. Water to a soil depth of 2 to 4 inches. Watering is particularly important a few weeks before the expected harvest, which should be sometime in the summer depending on where you live. Do not water the trees after October, and avoid watering the trees if they are receiving weekly rainfall.

Prune the trees in an open vase form. If the tree has just been planted, cut the trunk back to 30 inches and all side branches to 1 inch. In the first summer, chose four branches that are wide angled, approximately 30 inches long, and evenly spaced around the tree. Save these branches. Cut all other branches off, and cut the main trunk back so that it is just above the saved branches. Every year thereafter remove approximately one-third of new branch growth and any shoots that grow toward the tree's center.

Fertilize the Redhaven one month after planting. Apply 1/2 cup well-balanced fertilizer, such as one with a 12-12-12 analysis, and spread the fertilizer 6 inches from the trunk in a circular pattern. Fertilize every year in the early spring. After the first year, use 1-1/2 lbs. of fertilizer for every year of age of the tree.

Pick off diseased or damaged fruit each May. Ideally, viable fruit will be spaced 8 inches apart. Pick the fruit off by hand or use a wood rod or stick to knock excess fruit from branches. Thinning the fruit in May will help the Redhaven produce large and healthy fruit in the summer.