Peaches
These are best grown on a strong loam mixed with old mortar;though any soil that is well drained will produce good fruit. When
possible, a south wall should be chosen; but they are not particular
as to position, providing they are afforded
shelter from cold winds.
November and February are the most favourable months for planting. The
roots should be carefully arranged at equal distances apart, 3 or 4
in. below the surface of soil, and then covered with fine mould. Avoid
giving manure at all times, except when the trees are bearing fruit
heavily. Train the shoots about 6 in. apart, removing all the
wood-buds except one at the base of the shoot and one at the point.
Keep the flowers dry and free from frost by means of an overhead
shelter, to which tiffany or canvas can be attached, which should,
however, only be used so long as the cold weather lasts. To ensure
good fruit, thin the same out to 6 in. apart as soon as it attains
the size of a small pea, and when the stoning period is passed remove
every alternate one, so that they will be 1 ft. apart. After gathering
the fruit, remove any exhausted and weak wood, leaving all that is
of the thickness of a black-lead pencil. To keep the foliage clean,
syringe once a day with water; this may be continued until the
fruit is nearly ripe. The following may be recommended for outdoor
cultivation:--Hale's Early, Dagmar, and Waterloo for fruiting in July
or August; Crimson Galande, Dymond, and the well-known Bellegarde
for succession in September; and Golden Eagle for a late sort. When
planted in quantities, Peaches should stand 20 ft. apart.
When grown under glass a day temperature of 50 degrees, falling to 45
degrees at night, is sufficient to start with, gradually increasing it
so that 65 degrees by day and 55 by night is reached at the period of
blossoming. Syringe the leaves daily until the flowers are produced,
then discontinue it, merely keeping the walls near the pipes and
the paths damp. As soon as the fruit is set the syringing should
recommence. Water of the same temperature as that of the house should
in all cases be used. When the fruit begins to ripen, cease once more
the syringing until it is gathered, then admit air freely, wash the
trees daily, and apply liquid manure to the roots in sufficient
quantities to keep the soil moist during the time the trees are at
rest. Rivers's Early, Pitmaston Orange, Dagmar, and Royal George are
all good under glass.
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Next: Pears
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