Variety traits

Peach Maturity Group

Prunus persica (L.) Batsch

The maturity group determines the time of harvest maturity for peach fruits, categorizing varieties into early-season, mid-season, and late-season. This classification is based on calendar dates and the number of days to maturity relative to reference cultivars.

In the reference 794 varieties crop Peach, where this is mentioned in the description.

Peach varieties are generally divided into three groups: early-season, which ripen from July to early August; mid-season, the period of which covers late July to early September; and late-season, with fruits ready for harvest in September and October. To improve descriptive accuracy, maturity scales are used, which are linked to the number of days relative to the maturity of a reference cultivar, such as Redhaven.

Selecting a maturity group is a determining factor in agro-climatic zoning, as early varieties capable of completing their cycle before the onset of cold weather are preferred in northern regions. In commercial production, choosing varieties from different groups allows for an extended harvest season, though it requires a differentiated approach to irrigation regimes, which are often restricted during the fruit ripening phase.

An important aspect is the risk of spring frosts, to which early varieties are more susceptible due to their tendency for early onset of vegetation. Since the ripening period for each cultivar typically does not exceed 10 days, the correct combination of maturity groups allows for the optimization of harvest logistics and crop marketing.

General information about the subject — on the page Maturity group.

Sources8

Varieties of Peach mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.