I would like to plant a couple of peach trees and could use some recommendations. There are so many varieties out there that it is confusing. Some are for cold climates and others for hot humid zone 9 where I live. Which one would you recommend ?

Karl:
They are decidious trees so they can take cold weather. My preference is any white peaches will do. They are very sweet and juicy.

Your parish cooperative extension office, or the horticulture dept. at LSU, could tell you the approximate number of chill units your area gets. Peaches are much more picky about chilling than most fruits, so I'd recommend choosing varieties as close to that number as you can.

No matter what type you choose, make sure they are on Peach Guardian Rootstock. Yes, you can consult your nearest Ag. Extension officer in your county for the specific cultivars.

thanks

One thing about Colorado, we are never short on chill units. - Millet

Millet, based on the newer models, I'm not sure about that anymore. if you have severe cold temp, then you accumulate negative hours. And the effective counting hours are only between 36 to 48 deg F, depending on model, and if your spring time zips by so that it is near summer (min Temp> 48 ) all of a sudden, then no chilling hours accumulation. it could happen in cold places and also explains why there is no guarantee of blooming even in very cold places. But I guarantee you, these models are not really that accurate, it only gives us some ideas of what cultivars to start with.

No matter, I have my peaches and plums bloom eversince I got them every year.

I don't know about S. Louisiana, but in SE (Coastal areas) South Carolina peaches are a difficult crop. Insect pressure, humidity and disease make growing peaches, nectarines, plums and apricots a trial. This, despite the fact that SC is second only to CA in growing peaches. A little farther inland (70 miles or so) commercial crops are grown.

Ned

Ned
What little I know about peaches seems to follow exactly what you stated. Seems like they are a challenge with much more maintenance. Maybe I will try pears but I do love peaches.
Karl

I'm about fed up with peaches... They are a pain in the butt !!! First the Beatles then the brown spots... I'm gonna throw mine in the trash & just plant a citrus in it's place !!!

Laaz
Ok, the caption with the machine gun was convincing. I will buy my peaches rather then get that frustrated. I nearly choked on my cold drink when I saw it.

Here in Colorado peaches are absolutely trouble free. I have two peach trees, and have never ever had to do one thing to get fruit. The western slope of Colorado around the Grand Junction grow thousands of acres of peaches commercially. My only problem with peaches, is the late spring freezes that occasionally kill all the blossoms. Ive never even seen any insects that bother them. - Millet

Millet, I envy the lack of disease and insect pressure in many areas West of the Rockies. The pictures of prunus type fruits you folks in California and Colorado post are great.

Karl, There are a few plums that will grow here, but the maintenance necessary is not worth the effort. Besides, the few we can grow aren't the best tasting of the lot. That said, there are many fruiting plants that do fine here, some of which can't be grown in other areas. Many citrus, pears, rabbiteye blueberries, pecans, pomegranates, persimmons, loquats, muscadine grapes, and so on.

I am trying some jujubes, anyone familar with them?

Ned
This is true about the plum trees. I had a huge 20 year old Burbank plum tree that finally died a few years ago. Since then I have tried to re-establish on tow occasions, but they did not live. Probably my fault since back then I would plant and forget. I think it’s time to give plums another try since peaches will not cooperate.
Karl