Here’s how to plant, prune, and care for delicious, low chill stone fruit trees in mild winter climates
Low chill stone fruits such as peaches, plums, apricots, and nectarines are fruit-bearing trees that have adapted to regions with mild winters. Unlike traditional stone fruit varieties that require long periods of winter chilling to break dormancy and produce fruit, low chill varieties thrive in climates where winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing. This makes them ideal for growers in subtropical and even tropical regions.
Understanding Chill Hours
Chill hours refer to the total number of hours a tree is exposed to temperatures between 0°C and 7°C, which are needed to break dormancy.
- Traditional stone fruitsoften require between 500 and 1,000 chill hours.
- Low chill varieties are bred to need much less, typically between 150 and 300 chill hours.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Choose a site that offers full sun, good air flow, and well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7.
Before planting, incorporate organic matter such as Rocky Point ActivGrow Soil Improver and Rocky Point Cow Manure to improve soil structure and fertility. This creates an ideal environment for healthy root development. If drainage is a concern, apply gypsum or consider planting trees in raised mounds. Finish with a thick layer of Rocky Point Lucerne Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Best low chill stone fruit varieties
- Peach: Flordaprince, Early Beauty, China Flat, Angel, Tropic Beauty, Tropic Snow, Floragem
- Plum: Gulf Ruby, Santa Rosa, Amber Queen, Gulf Blaze, Iluka Blood
(Note: Some plum varieties require cross pollination)
- Apricot: Glengarry, Sal, Gold Kist, Tropic Gold
- Nectarine: Sunraycer, Arctic Star, Sunnybelle, Sun Snow, Sunwright
- Peachcot: Ora A (a peach with apricot characteristics)
- Pluot: Black Adder (a plum and apricot hybrid)
Pruning
Regular pruning supports healthy growth, improves airflow, and enhances fruit quality.
- Prune during the dormant season or just before the tree begins to break dormancy
- Remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood
- Thin crowded branches and shaping the canopy to imporve light penetration and airflow
Fertilisation
Balanced nutrition is essential for productive stone fruit trees. Young trees benefit from nitrogen rich fertilisers to encourage vegetative growth. Mature trees require a more balanced approach to support fruiting. Use Rocky Point ActivGrow Fertiliser Pellets along with side dressings of Rocky Point Cow Manure for best results.
Watering
Steady watering is crucial, especially during the growing season, fruit development, and dry weather. Drip irrigation is ideal for conserving water while delivering moisture directly to the root zone. Apply Rocky Point Sugar Cane Mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition.
To learn more about stone fruit read our blog “Fruits of the Gods” here
If you would like to learn more from the author Claire Bickle head to her website: Claire Bickle | Gardening for the Good Life!
