broken peach tree - Ask Extension
We have a peach tree that broke in the recent wind. Can I salvage the peaches that are on the broken branches on the ground?
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broken peach tree #843278
Asked July 30, 2023, 9:35 AM EDT
We have a peach tree that broke in the recent wind. Can I salvage the peaches that are on the broken branches on the ground?
Poweshiek County Iowa
Expert Response
Hi Donna,
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear about your peach tree. Whether to salvage the fruit on the downed branches is up to you. Here are some factors to consider: does fruit appears damaged, is fruit touching the ground, how ripe is the fruit? Peaches will continue to ripen a little after picking but if they aren't close, they likely won't fully ripen. Any fruit that comes into contact with the ground has potential to come into contact with soil borne microorganisms or animal droppings. Additionally, if the fruit hit the ground, peaches bruise easily so they may have sustained damage.
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear about your peach tree. Whether to salvage the fruit on the downed branches is up to you. Here are some factors to consider: does fruit appears damaged, is fruit touching the ground, how ripe is the fruit? Peaches will continue to ripen a little after picking but if they aren't close, they likely won't fully ripen. Any fruit that comes into contact with the ground has potential to come into contact with soil borne microorganisms or animal droppings. Additionally, if the fruit hit the ground, peaches bruise easily so they may have sustained damage.
We decided to pick the fruit. We know when the derecho came through a couple years ago we were able to pick the peaches (around August 20) and had a great harvest. FYI for our peach variety. Do you think if we put these in our cool basement and keep an eye on them we might get some product? I am hoping to attach some pictures. Unfortunately, we are pretty sure the tree is a goner. It had one branch left after the derecho and with the weight of the fruit this year it was too much.
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 31, 2023, at 11:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Good morning Donna,
Please send pictures either through this Ask Extension portal, or send them to our email at <personal data hidden> and we can have one of our horticulture specialists look at them.
This newsletter article from Kansas State Extension talks about when to pick peaches. It recommends letting them ripen inside at room temperature.
Please send pictures either through this Ask Extension portal, or send them to our email at <personal data hidden> and we can have one of our horticulture specialists look at them.
This newsletter article from Kansas State Extension talks about when to pick peaches. It recommends letting them ripen inside at room temperature.
