Can 'Bonfire' Patio Peach (Prunus persica) be grown (and set fruit) in Houston? I see them at the local Home Depot stores, but I know that doesn't mean anything. Just wondering. I've never bought any peach trees before just because I've never heard of any good tasting varieties that would grow and set fruit here in Houston.
There's another "patio peach" at HD that was distributed by the same company they called 'Southern Sweet Peach' (also Prunus persica). This one had "normal" green leaves, as opposed 'Bonfire''s reddish-purple leaves.
thanks!
Carter.
'Bonfire' Patio Peach (Prunus persica)
I have a little info on the first one mentioned. I don't know about the other one. What I'd suggest is to call the Harris County extension service office and ask if they know about any small peach trees which might also produce good fruit. If you have room to plant a peach tree in the ground I'm sure there are some that produce very good peaches
BONFIRE
An ornamental, genetic dwarf, flowering peach which features
long, showy, dark red leaves throughout the spring and summer.
Spring is ushered in with showy pink flowers adorning this
diminutive tree. Used for ornamental, landscape purposes. Fruit
is small and not desirable for eating. Mature Height: 4-6'.
This message was edited Jul 19, 2008 4:45 PM
thanks... sorry it took me a while to get back in, I've been out of town. I've been turned on to a few other information links as well, so I thank for the information!
Carter, "Southern Sweet Peach" requires 500 chill hours. Houston averages 400 chill hours. Because it wouldn't get the 500 chill hours it needs to break dormancy, in Houston the tree wouldn't fruit, it would weaken and eventually die. It would be best to find fruit trees that require 300 chill hours or less. That way you would be assured of getting fruit every year. Contact the extension service as Linda suggests or search for fruit trees for Austin. I recall seeing something posted by the Chronicle on the topic.