Prunus persica is the botanical name for the tree that grows peach blooms. It, along with cherries, plums, almonds, and apricots are members of the famous pink rose family. That is probably why most of these peach blossom flowers have a beautiful soft pink color.
Peach Blossom Plant History
The scientific name Prunus persica comes from the history of the peach blossom tree itself. They came to Greece after being cultivated in China for more than 2500 years by way of Persia. In the 1500s, French and Spanish explorers brought the peach tree to the United States. California, ahead of South Carolina and Georgia, is the leading producer of peach blossoms in the United States. On March 9th, 1895, the peach blossom bloom was voted in as a symbol of Delaware, then officially approved as the state flower 58 years later. Peach Blossom trees grow to a height of 15 to 25 feet, with slender leaves and serrated edges.
Peach Blossom Flower Facts
Peach blossoms grow on peach trees as a single or paired flower with a size of 2-3 cm. Of course, the Peach Blossom comes before the Peach goes. Each flower has five petals ranging in color from light pink to light purple, or deep magenta with a blush near its center.
Peach blooms have a delicate, smooth texture and a pleasant aroma like honey and almonds. Peach blooms have a delicate flavor with a nectar-like sweetness.
Because peach blossoms have a pleasantly sweet flavor, they are frequently used as an edible garnish. They can add color to either sweet or savory recipes. Peach blossoms can also be used to make tea, jelly, or become aromatic cordial by aging them in vodka.
Peach Blossom Plant Growing Tips
According to the Virginia Techs Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, peach trees bloom in the early spring. The contrast in look between the colorful blossoms and the dark bark of the tree is astounding. The flower buds can appear around early March until mid-April. It depends on the weather temperature.
They thrive in direct sunlight to shady areas and are drought tolerant. They have an average lifespan of eight to fifteen years. The standard Peach Blossom tree starts producing fruits at the age of 3 to 4 years and reaches maximum productivity at the age of 12 years.
The growth preferences of peach blossoms vary during the four seasons. So the growth strategy must also differ, and it must become more resilient.
Take Care of Peach Blossom in Spring
Spring is the most exuberant season for peach blossom plant growth. During the spring season, it’s best to water peach blossoms three times only. They dislike being damp. If the moisture content of the soil is excessive, the problem of roots rotting might occur.
Around 10 hours a day is the best duration for this plant to get light. The light that is either too long or too short will affect the plant. For example, causing slow growth.
We must note that peach blossoms can not be short on fertilizer at their most exuberant season of growth. Appropriate fertilizer is required to encourage their growth. You can use phosphate potash fertilizer during the flowering period to help them blossom. Manure organic and compound fertilizer are also an option.
Take Care of Peach Blossom in Autumn
Autumn is a season when it rains a lot. If you are planting in an outdoor location, please ensure that there is adequate drainage. Otherwise, water rot roots can easily occur. Only water it once every half-month if there is enough light. The water around the root system is needed.
The temperature is very high in the early autumn season. It makes water evaporate more quickly. You can help by improving the water pathway by increasing the storage capacity of the soil. If the plant is in a pot, change the soil. Along with that, place small stones at the bottom of the pot to boost the soil’s moisture capacity.
At this point, we can apply fertilizer to support the plant’s nutritional needs. You can use animal manure or stale cake fertilizer every 20 days or so. The fertilization process must stop near the end of autumn.
Enjoy Peach Blossom Seasons in Japan
It’s known that cherry blossoms are the most famous spring flowers in Japan. But peach blossoms that usually start blooming in early March, around two weeks before cherry blossom, are also wonderful things to enjoy. There is also this tradition, hanami, where the Japanese picnic under the trees. They do this to enjoy the blossoming spring flowers’ sights and scents. By doing hanami during the peach blossom flower season, you can enjoy larger blossoms that grow along the main branches of peach trees. They seem to explode into vibrant reds or pastel pink and white. Some of them will form bloom tunnels as they drop downward, while others stretch high into the great blue skies.
