Peach, Elberta, Bare Root

Peach, Elberta (Prunus persica ‘Elberta’)

Elberta is one of the most iconic American peach varieties — widely grown and beloved for its large, golden-yellow fruit, exceptional flavor, and reliable production. Introduced in the late 1800s in Georgia, this heirloom cultivar helped establish the U.S. peach industry and remains a top choice for home orchards. The freestone fruit has firm, juicy flesh and a sweet, old-fashioned flavor that’s perfect for fresh eating, canning, baking, and drying.

A vigorous, self-fertile tree, Elberta performs best in full sun with well-drained soil and produces heavy crops with minimal care. Its stunning pink spring blossoms attract pollinators, and its summer fruit offers a high return in small-scale or regenerative orchard systems. Cold-hardy to Zone 5, Elberta is an excellent choice for growers in temperate regions seeking a dependable and flavorful mid- to late-season peach.

Key Characteristics

• Large, juicy freestone peaches
  Elberta produces big, golden-yellow fruit with a blush of red and firm, sweet yellow flesh. Its freestone nature makes it easy to pit and ideal for canning, pies, cobblers, and drying — a true all-purpose peach.
• Heirloom variety with proven performance
  With over a century of cultivation, Elberta remains a reliable choice for home orchards and food forests. Its disease resistance, productivity, and rich flavor have stood the test of time.
• Self-fertile and highly productive
  No pollination partner is needed, though planting with other stone fruit can enhance yield. Consistently produces abundant crops with standard pruning and care.
• Cold-hardy and adaptable
  Hardy to USDA Zone 5, Elberta tolerates a wide range of growing conditions but prefers full sun and good drainage. It’s well-suited to both backyard and larger-scale regenerative systems.
• Supports pollinators and orchard diversity
  Early spring blooms provide vital nectar for bees and beneficial insects. Works well in fruit tree guilds and permaculture plantings alongside nitrogen fixers, dynamic accumulators, and herbal groundcovers.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Bloom color: Pink
• Fruit qualities: Large, golden-yellow with red blush, firm yellow flesh, sweet, freestone
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, canning, baking, drying
• Fruit ripening month: Mid to late August
• Required chill hours: ~800–850
• Pollination requirements: Self-fertile
• USDA Hardiness zones: 5–9

Elberta is the gold standard for homegrown peaches — time-tested, versatile, and loaded with flavor. Whether you're baking pies, filling jars, or eating them straight from the tree, this heirloom favorite delivers season after season.