| 'Rio Oso Gem' is suited to the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, central Midwest and West. It produces large freestone peaches with red blush on yellow skin. Excellent flavored, firm yellow flesh. Late midseason bearing small tree, not particuarly vigorous. It has large showy flowers, the fruit freezes well.
The peach is the most adaptable of all fruit trees for home gardens. When planting, they should be spaced to allow a spread of 20 to 25 feet. At 3 or 4 years of age they begin to bear large crops and reach peak productivity at 8 to 12 years.
Peaches need clear, hot weather during their growing season and require well-drained soil as well as a regular fertilizing program. They also require heavier pruning than any other fruit trees to maintain size and encourage new growth. Most peach varieties are self fertile, not requiring a second tree.
Cannot tolerate extreme winter cold or late frost. Peach leaf curl, brown rot, peach scab and peach tree borer can be a problem. |
