The ‘Anzac’ peach is a heritage Australian variety that remains a favourite for home orchards due to its reliability and early harvest. Traditionally ripening around Christmas time in Australia, it provides some of the first stone fruits of the summer. The fruit is medium-sized with a pale, creamy-green skin that develops a beautiful red blush where exposed to the sun.
The flesh is white, meltingly soft, and very juicy. It possesses a delicate, sweet flavour and a lovely floral aroma. While it is technically a semi-clingstone variety (the flesh may stick slightly to the stone), it becomes more freestone as it reaches full ripeness. Because the fruit is quite soft when ripe, it is best eaten straight from the tree, as it does not travel or store as well as firmer commercial varieties. It is also an excellent pollinator for other peaches, such as the ‘J.H. Hale’.
Care Tips
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Position: Requires a position in full sun to ensure the fruit develops its full sweetness and colour.
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Climate: Best suited to Temperate and Cool Temperate climates. It has a moderate winter chill requirement (approximately 300–400 hours).
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Pollination: Self-fertile, meaning you only need one tree to get a crop. It is also a fantastic universal pollinator for many other peach varieties.
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Soil: Thrives in deep, fertile, and well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay or sites that remain waterlogged after rain.
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Watering: Provide regular, deep watering during the spring and summer. Consistent moisture is crucial while the fruit is swelling to prevent it from dropping or drying out.
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Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser designed for fruit trees in early spring and again in mid-summer.
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Pruning: Prune during the winter dormant period to maintain an open vase shape. This encourages airflow and light penetration, which helps prevent fungal issues.
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Pest and Disease: Like most peaches, it is susceptible to Peach Leaf Curl. Apply a copper-based fungicide spray at “bud swell” in late winter to protect the new foliage.
