Peach, Belle of Georgia, Bare Root

Peach, Belle of Georgia (Prunus persica ‘Belle of Georgia’)

Belle of Georgia is a beloved heirloom peach variety prized for its large, aromatic white-fleshed fruit, showy pink blossoms, and dependable performance in home orchards. First introduced in the 1870s, this freestone peach is known for its juicy, firm texture and sweet, floral flavor with a subtle tang — ideal for fresh eating, canning, and baking. The fruit ripens in mid to late summer, offering a flavorful reward after a full season of growth.

A vigorous, self-fertile tree, Belle of Georgia grows well in USDA Zones 5–8 and is cold-hardy enough to be a top choice for northern peach growers. Its spring blooms attract early pollinators, while the tree itself fits beautifully into permaculture systems, food forests, or mixed fruit tree guilds. With a moderate chill hour requirement and reliable productivity, this heritage peach has earned its place in regenerative orchards and edible landscapes.

Key Characteristics

• Juicy, white-fleshed heirloom fruit
  The large freestone peaches have a blushed red skin and creamy white flesh. Their sweet, lightly tangy flavor makes them excellent for fresh eating, peach cobblers, pies, preserves, or sliced and dried.
• Self-fertile and reliable
  Belle of Georgia does not require another peach for pollination, though companion planting with other stone fruit can enhance yields. It is consistently productive with proper pruning and care.
• Cold-hardy and adaptable
  Performs well in USDA Zones 5–8, making it a good choice for cooler climates where many peach varieties struggle. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
• Beautiful and functional in food forests
  With early-season pink blossoms and mid-summer fruit, this tree offers both aesthetic and ecological value. Plant with nitrogen fixers, dynamic accumulators, and pollinator plants in orchard guilds or permaculture designs.
• Pollinator support in early spring
  Its abundant pink flowers bloom in early spring, providing a vital nectar source for honeybees, native bees, and early-emerging beneficial insects.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Bloom color: Pink
• Fruit qualities: Large, white flesh, red-blushed skin, sweet and slightly tangy, freestone
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, baking, canning, drying
• Fruit ripening month: Mid to late August
• Required chill hours: ~800–850
• Pollination requirements: Self-fertile
• USDA Hardiness zones: 5–8

For gardeners seeking a classic, flavorful peach with old-fashioned charm and solid performance, Belle of Georgia is a time-tested favorite. Its dual value as a pollinator plant and productive fruit tree makes it a standout in any edible landscape.