Harvester Peach

Name: Harvester Peach
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 23436E
Price: 62.94 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 1.0 (1 reviews)

Prunus persica 'Harvester'

Hardy in zones 5-9 with approximately 750 chill hours required, making it ideal for most temperate regions of the US
Produces medium to large freestone peaches with sweet, juicy yellow flesh blushed in carmine red, ripening in mid-to-late summer
Self-pollinating so you get a full crop without a second tree, with fragrant pink blossoms arriving in early spring
Fast-growing deciduous tree with attractive rounded canopy, glossy summer foliage, and warm golden fall color

$62⁹⁴

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Plant Size

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Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Edible, Self-pollinating, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Attracts pollinators, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	5a to 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	15-20 ft
Width	15-20 ft
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Pink
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Cherry
Botanical Name	Prunus persica 'Harvester'
Species	persica
Cultivar	Harvester
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

A Backyard Classic Worth Every Bit of the Work

The Harvester Peach (Prunus persica 'Harvester') is the kind of fruit tree that becomes the centerpiece of a backyard orchard almost immediately. Each spring, the bare branches fill with a cloud of fragrant, shell-pink blossoms before a single leaf appears, drawing in early pollinators and signaling that the growing season has arrived. By midsummer, those same branches are bowing under the weight of medium to large freestone peaches, their golden-yellow skin flushed with deep carmine red, flesh firm and dripping with juice.

What Makes Harvester Stand Out

Harvester is a time-tested cultivar prized for reliable productivity and excellent fresh-eating quality. The freestone pit separates cleanly from the flesh, which makes it a favorite for home canners, bakers, and anyone who just wants to slice a peach without wrestling with the pit. The flavor is sweet with just enough acidity to keep it interesting, and the firm texture holds up beautifully in cobblers, preserves, and grilled preparations. Harvester also has the advantage of being self-pollinating, so a single tree is capable of producing a full crop on its own.

Seasonal Interest Beyond the Fruit

Spring kicks off with those showstopper pink blossoms, which carry a light, sweet fragrance that carries on the breeze. The glossy, lance-shaped foliage fills in quickly after bloom, providing dense, lush summer shade. In fall, the leaves turn shades of warm yellow before dropping, leaving an attractive open canopy structure for the winter months. The tree grows quickly and responds well to annual pruning, which keeps it at a manageable height for harvesting and gives you control over the shape.

Siting for Success

Harvester Peach performs best in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. It requires approximately 750 chill hours, the number of hours spent below 45 degrees Fahrenheit during winter, to break dormancy and bloom reliably in spring. This makes it well suited to most of the country's temperate regions, from the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest to the upper South and parts of the Mountain West. Plant it in full sun with excellent drainage, and it will reward you with heavy crops for many years.

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Harvester Peach needs a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day for the best fruit production. Morning sun is especially valuable because it dries dew from the leaves and fruit quickly, which reduces the risk of fungal disease. Avoid low-lying areas where cold air settles, as late spring frosts can damage blossoms and wipe out the season's crop.

Soil: Plant in well-drained, loamy to sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Peach trees will not tolerate waterlogged roots, so if your soil is heavy clay, amend it with coarse sand and organic matter or build a raised planting area to improve drainage. Good air circulation around the tree is just as important as soil quality for keeping fungal diseases at bay.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week to help the root system establish. Once the tree is settled in, consistent moisture from bloom time through harvest keeps fruit sizing up well and prevents stress cracking. Reduce watering after harvest but do not let the tree go completely dry, as adequate moisture going into dormancy supports bud development for the following spring.

Pruning Tips

Annual pruning is essential for Harvester Peach and should be done in late winter while the tree is still dormant. The goal is an open vase shape that allows sunlight and air into the canopy. Remove about 30 to 40 percent of the previous year's growth each season, keeping vigorous one-year-old shoots that will carry this season's fruit and cutting out crossing branches, water sprouts, and any wood showing signs of disease. Skipping even one year of pruning leads to dense canopy shade, reduced fruit size, and a tree that quickly becomes difficult to harvest and manage.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring just as buds begin to swell, and again in late spring during active fruit development. For young trees in their first season, apply a phosphorus-forward starter fertilizer one week after planting to support root establishment. Avoid fertilizing after midsummer, as late-season nitrogen pushes soft new growth that will not harden off before fall and becomes vulnerable to cold injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does the Harvester Peach tree grow per year?

The Harvester Peach grows quickly and responds well to annual pruning for height control. This vigorous grower thrives in zones 5-9 and can be managed at a harvestable height through regular pruning. Prune annually in late winter to maintain size and shape.

Is the Harvester Peach tree resistant to deer browsing?

Peach trees are not deer resistant and young Harvester Peach trees are particularly vulnerable to browsing damage. Deer will eat the bark, leaves, and young shoots, which can severely damage or kill the tree. Install fencing or use deer repellent sprays to protect your investment when you shop at Nature Hills.

What fertilizer schedule do you recommend for optimal growth and fruit production?

Q: What fertilizer schedule do you recommend for optimal growth and fruit production? Feed Harvester Peach with balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring before bloom, then again after harvest. Young trees need monthly feeding through summer, while established trees only need the two annual applications. Shop balanced fruit tree fertilizers at naturehills.com for best results.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Harvester Peach

Prunus persica 'Harvester'

Other Cherry varieties