Rochester Peach Tree

A hardy, frost resistant peach variety, 'Rochester' produces plenty of large, tender, juicy peaches in August. The soft and creamy, sweet, melting yellow flesh is hidden beneath peachy-orange and red flushed skin. This is a freestone variety, where the stones are not attached to the flesh.

Rochester Peach tree produces pretty pink flowers in the spring which add to its appeal. Recognisd by the RHS as being excellent for pollinating insects, it is also self fertile so doesn't require another peach variety.

AKA Prunus persica 'Rochester'

• Use: Dual purpose, Cooking and Eating
• Cropping period: Mid season (Mid August)
• Flavour: Sweet
• Heritage: New York 1900
• Pollination group: Self fertile
• Height in 10 years*: 6-8m
• Position: Full sun

*Indication of the un-pruned height of this Peach variety in 10 years. Variations will occur due to planting position, pruning, geography etc.

Planting Advice for Rochester Peach Trees

Our pot grown Rochester Peach trees can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare root ones need to be planted November-March. Peach and nectarine trees should be planted in a sunny position, with approx. 3 metres between trees.

Prepare by removing all weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole. Next, dig a square hole as deep as the root mass and 2 to 3 x as wide. To help fruit trees establish more effectively, apply root grow by sprinkling in the hole for pot grown trees (or prepare and apply the gel mixture for bare root trees).

Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole. Using 50% of the original soil and 50% compost, fill in the hole and firm around gently, taking care not to bank soil up around the collar of the tree. We recommend planting peach trees using a stake and tie kit and rabbit guard. For further information, watch our how to videos.

Watering & Aftercare

If you’re planting peach trees in spring, summer or dry weather, water well and regularly for the first few months. Keep an eye on young fruit tree and increase watering if there are periods of hot or dry weather. If you’re planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. Once you see the fruit begin to swell, water again. We stock a range of irrigation kits to assist watering. Keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons.

Tip: To check if the soil requires further water, dig a finger down a few centimetres into the soil and if the soil feels even slightly moist, it does not need further watering. If it feels dry, water and repeat this test again.

Pruning Advice for Rochester Peach Trees

Unlike some of our fruit tree varieties, peach and nectarine trees should not be pruned whilst dormant. The best time to prune Peach Rochester is after the coldest part of the winter has passed but before they start to flower. February is normally a safe time, depending on how severe the winter has been.

Both nectarine and peach trees fruit on 1 year old wood, so the pruning technique for these trees is sometimes referred to as ‘replacement’ i.e. replacing old wood with new. When pruning peach trees, aim to have 3-5 main branches forming an open, vase-shape. Remove old shoots (grey in colour) as they will not produce fruit. Also remove any damaged, dead or diseased branches. The tree may look a little gappy, but will soon improve once the flowers arrive in early spring. Make sure the centre of the tree is open, allowing air and sunlight to reach inside. The branches that are one year old will be pinky red in colour and should be trimmed back to approximately 45cm in length.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.