Name: Reliance Peach Tree (Cold-Hardy Semi-Dwarf Peach) | Restoring Eden
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Peach Tree (Reliance)

Reliance is the peach that proves great peaches aren’t limited to mild climates—delivering sweet, juicy fruit even where winters run cold.

Cold-hardy yellow peach with rich, classic flavor.
Freestone to semi-freestone fruit—easy to enjoy fresh or preserve.
Dependable producer with strong winter resilience.
Semi-dwarf tree with manageable size.
Self-fertile—no pollination partner required.

Description

Reliance Peach was bred with one goal in mind: to bring high-quality peaches to colder regions where traditional varieties often struggle. The result is a remarkably hardy tree that still produces sweet, juicy, full-flavored fruit.

Ripening mid to late season, Reliance peaches develop a warm red blush over golden-yellow flesh with a satisfying balance of sweetness and acidity. It’s a confidence-building choice for growers who want a peach that can handle real winters without sacrificing flavor.

Overview

Cold-hardy yellow peach with excellent flavor.
Freestone to semi-freestone fruit—great for fresh eating and preserving.
Reliable productivity even after cold winters.
Mid to late-season ripening.
Self-fertile—no pollination partner required.

Growing Details

Latin Name: Prunus persica ‘Reliance’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: Citation
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4–8
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: 10–14 ft (semi-dwarf habit)
Bloom Time: Mid-spring
Ripening Time: Mid to late August
Pollination: Self-fertile
Fruit Type: Freestone to semi-freestone yellow peach
Pests & Diseases: Good overall resilience; shows better tolerance to Peach Leaf Curl than many standard varieties when grown with good airflow

Additional Notes

Grower’s Insight: Reliance was developed in New Hampshire specifically for cold tolerance—its flower buds are among the hardiest of any peach variety.
Regional Insight: A top choice for the Upper Midwest, Northeast, Mountain West, and other cold-winter regions where peach options are limited.
Excellent for fresh eating, baking, freezing, and preserving.
Explore more peaches and nectarines in our collection: Peach & Nectarine Trees

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Reliance Peach

Sun: 1/2 day to full day of sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Water: Deep, regular watering during establishment
Tree Size: Semi-dwarf (10–14 ft)
Pollination: Self-fertile
Harvest: Mid to late season
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4–8

Planting & Care – Reliance Peach

Site Selection

Select a sunny location to support strong growth and reliable fruit ripening.
Good airflow helps keep foliage healthy and supports consistent production.

Soil Preparation

Plant in well-drained soil to avoid excess moisture around the roots.
In heavier soils, planting on a slight mound or raised area can improve drainage.

Planting Instructions

For container-grown trees, plant approximately 1 inch deeper than the nursery soil line; for bare-root trees, place the root flare at or just above finished soil level.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil and remove air pockets.
Apply mulch lightly to conserve moisture, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.

Watering & Fertilizing

Water deeply after planting to encourage roots to grow downward.
During the first growing season, water regularly and deeply, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.
Once established, deeper and less frequent watering supports healthier, more resilient trees.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth begins.

Pruning

Train to an open-center form to allow sunlight into the canopy.
Annual pruning supports airflow, fruit quality, and manageable tree size.
Thin fruit early to improve size and reduce branch stress.

Harvest & Use

Harvest when fruit is fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.
Well-suited for fresh eating, baking, freezing, and preserving.

General Tips

Reliance benefits from consistent care, especially in colder climates.
Allow fruit to fully ripen on the tree for best flavor.