Peach ‘Florida King’

Peach 'Florida King'

The Peach ‘Florida King’ (Prunus persica ‘Florida King’) is a top-performing early-season peach variety, especially suited for warmer climates and low-chill regions. This vigorous, fast-growing tree produces large, golden-yellow freestone peaches with a red blush and firm, juicy flesh. The flavor is sweet and well-balanced, making it excellent for fresh eating, desserts, and canning.

One of its most appealing qualities is its low chill requirement—only about 450 chill hours—making it a reliable fruiting tree in USDA Zones 8–10, and even parts of Zone 9b where other varieties may struggle. ‘Florida King’ ripens early in the season, typically in late spring to early summer, giving you one of the first peach harvests of the year.

This tree is self-pollinating and displays beautiful pink blooms in early spring, adding ornamental value to its productive nature. Whether grown in a backyard orchard or a large container, the Florida King is a dependable, delicious choice for home growers in warmer regions.

Care Instructions

Planting:
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space trees 12–15 feet apart. Ideal for low-chill zones. Plant in late winter or early spring.

Watering:
Water deeply once per week. Keep soil evenly moist during fruiting but avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils.

Pruning:
Prune annually in late winter to maintain open shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Thin fruit for size and health.

Pest Control:
Monitor for peach leaf curl, aphids, and borers. Use dormant oil sprays and organic insecticides as needed.

Soil Tips:
Prefers loamy, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.5). Enrich with compost or aged manure and apply mulch to conserve moisture.