Where peaches grow

People have grown and eaten peaches for thousands of years. Peaches most likely originated in China before spreading to other parts of the world. Today peaches are grown in the warmer temperate (mild) regions both north and south of the equator. The United States is a major producer of peaches. They grow in such states as California, Washington, South Carolina, Michigan, and Georgia.

Physical features

Peaches grow on trees that can reach about 21 feet (6.5 meters) in height. However, farmers usually only allow peach trees to grow up to about 10–13 feet (3–4 meters) tall so the fruits are easier to pick. The leaves of the peach tree are glossy green, long, and pointed. The flowers emerge in spring before the leaves and may be white, pink, red, or purplish. Peach tree flowers usually have five rounded petals, though some varieties have more elaborate flowers that resemble carnations. Peaches develop from these flowers.

Peaches are round with a crease along one side. They typically measure about 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across. They may be yellow, orange, red, or white. Some yellow varieties have a red blush. Peaches have thin skins and juicy flesh that may be white, yellow, or red. The skin is usually fuzzy, but some peaches are smooth. They are called nectarines.

In the center of a peach is a large stone called a pit. Most peach pits are ribbed or covered with holes. Some peaches have flesh that clings firmly to the stone. These are called clingstone peaches, and they are often used in canning. Freestone peaches have flesh that easily separates from the stone.

How peaches are grown

Farmers plant peach trees in orchards with somewhat gravelly or sandy soil. When the fruit begins to develop, they thin the branches on the trees by hand. This thinning process helps the remaining fruits on the trees to grow larger. Fruits of the most popular varieties grown in the United States ripen in about three to five months.