Peach

Can I Grow Elberta?

Elberta is the classic American peach — large, golden-fleshed, and freestone with that unmistakable 'peach cobbler' flavor. It's been the commercial standard for over a century.

Growing Requirements

Chill Hours

800

Hardiness Zones

5-6-7-8-9

Harvest

Late July to August

Pollination

Self-fertile

Results

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About Elberta

Elberta is the classic American peach — large, golden-fleshed, and freestone with that unmistakable 'peach cobbler' flavor. It's been the commercial standard for over a century.

Elberta requires 800 chill hours — the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy. Without enough chill, the tree may fail to flower properly or produce poor fruit.

⚠️ Common Challenges

Highly susceptible to peach leaf curl and brown rot; requires consistent fungicide program.

❌ Common Misconception

Can I grow Elberta in Zone 10 or warmer?

No. While Elberta is listed for zones 5-9, it requires 800 chill hours to produce fruit. Warm zones like 10+ typically receive only 200-400 chill hours. The tree may survive but will not fruit reliably. Consider low-chill alternatives like Anna apple (200h) or Tropic Snow peach (200h) instead.

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Chill hour data from Open-Meteo Historical Weather API. Variety information compiled from university extension services.