Prunus persica var. PLATYCARPA flat peach tree

Platycarpa is not a peach variety but a type (form), in botany it is recognized by var. or f. in front of the name. It has many names and is most often called flat peach, donut peach, even UFO peach, and among growers commonly paraguayo peach. From a fruit tree expert I learnt that this is a wild form of a peach tree which naturally occurs in rather elevated locations compared to its sister varieties. From historical sources we first hear about this peach type in a 16th century novel by Wu Cheng’en called The Journey to the West that is supposed to be one of 4 pillars of Chinese classical literature. In the text the Jade Emperor asks king Wukong who had been seeking eternal life to look after his pántáo orchard (pántáo = flat peach). The king did what he was asked to and during his duty he ate fruit from most of the rare species which gave him eternal life.

Flat peach is a delicious type of fruit. It has a flattened (oblate) shape, commonly softly hairy but also smooth (nectarine-like), thinner skin which does not allow long storage. The flesh is clingstone, extremely sweet and juicy, and some say it has a little bit of almond flavour. It may be white or yellow. Currently there are not any accepted variety names and all you come across are made-up names, so we chose to stick to simple English names reflecting its characteristics: White Flesh, Yellow Flesh, Nectarine Yellow Flesh.

They are so easy to grow and we have noticed that they are healthier and more vigorous than classic peach trees. They show great resistance to leaf curl unless in a peach orchard with this infection. Should it appear on your tree try to stay away from a chemical treatment and feed the plant. It will help it make new leaves and ill, curled leaves will fall off (remove and burn them).

We suggest planting peach trees in open spaces so they can feel cold, spring breeze which will delay flowering and prevent the flowers from frost damage should they open too early. They like slightly alkaline soil, moist but well-drained. Do not transplant bare-root trees in autumn, only in spring. We do not recommend pruning but it may be done after flowering. The best yield is always from an unpruned tree which grows naturally. Hardy to about -29 °C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 02-12-2021