Belle of Georgia Peach
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Fast (2-3 ft/year)
- Full Sun
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Georgia grown & ready to plant
Secure checkoutLicensed & insured installation crew
About Belle of Georgia Peach
Belle of Georgia Peach is a beloved heirloom Southern peach variety dating back to the 1870s, known for large, white-fleshed freestone fruit with a distinctive red-blushed skin and a classic sweet-tart flavor that many longtime Georgia growers consider unmatched by modern commercial peach varieties. It is self-fruitful and needs no second tree for pollination, ripening in mid-to-late July. It grows fast, 2-3 feet per year, into a substantial tree 12-15 feet tall when properly pruned (taller if left unmanaged), and like all peaches it requires a specific chilling period of cold winter hours to break dormancy and set fruit properly, a requirement Zone 8a Georgia winters generally satisfy. Annual pruning to an open, vase-shaped form is essential for good light penetration, fruit size, and disease management, since peaches are more susceptible to pest and disease pressure in humid Southern summers than many other fruit trees. Belle of Georgia remains a favorite for its old-fashioned flavor and its historical ties to Georgia's peach-growing heritage.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 12-15 ft (15-18 ft unpruned) |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 12-15 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate — consistent moisture, especially during fruit development |
| Bloom Season | Early Spring flowers, Summer fruit (mid-to-late July harvest) |
| Growth Rate | Fast (2-3 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Belle of Georgia Peach in full sun in well-drained soil, since peaches are especially prone to root rot in poorly drained Georgia clay; consider a raised planting mound if drainage is a concern. Prune annually in late winter to an open vase shape for good air circulation and light penetration, which reduces disease pressure. Thin developing fruit to one peach every 6-8 inches along the branch for larger, better-quality fruit. Monitor for peach tree borer and brown rot, common regional pests and diseases.
Fast Facts
- Heirloom Southern peach variety dating to the 1870s
- Self-fruitful — no second tree needed
- White-fleshed freestone fruit, harvested mid-to-late July
- Mature size: 12-15 ft tall when pruned
- Requires good drainage and annual pruning
- Needs winter chilling hours, well satisfied in Zone 8a
Pairs Well With
Belle of Georgia Peach FAQs
Do peach trees need a second tree to pollinate?
No, Belle of Georgia Peach is self-fruitful and does not require a second tree for pollination, unlike apples and pears. A single tree will reliably set fruit, though planting in full sun and pruning annually for good branch structure still improves yield and fruit quality.
Why is my peach tree not producing fruit?
Common reasons a peach tree fails to fruit include inadequate winter chilling hours, late spring frost damaging open blossoms, poor drainage causing root stress, or insufficient annual pruning leading to a crowded canopy with poor light penetration. Belle of Georgia generally receives adequate chilling in Zone 8a Georgia winters when other growing conditions are met.