Peach (Prunus persica) CRESTHAVEN

Peach (Prunus persica) 'Cresthaven'

A proven, classic, and highly reliable variety, exceptionally prized for its high frost resistance and outstanding fruit quality.

The 'Cresthaven' variety is one of the most popular late peaches worldwide. It is the ideal choice for growers in areas with colder winters who are looking for a reliable cultivar with versatile uses. It stands out with beautiful, uniform fruits, exceptionally high yields, and firm flesh that is notably ideal for freezing, as it resists browning.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High frost resistance: Ideal for colder growing regions (hardy in both wood and buds).
• Reliable yields: A regularly and heavily producing variety.
• Fruit quality: Large, attractive, firm, and juicy fruits with excellent flavor.
• Great for freezing: The flesh retains its color and does not brown after freezing.
• Self-fertile, highly transportable, and freestone.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: USA (Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, South Haven). Breeders: Stanley Johnson and J.E. Moulton.
• Crossing and Registration: A cross between 'Kalhaven' and the selection 'South Haven 309'. Introduced to the market in 1963. Not patented.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium to strong. Trees grow to a medium or large size depending on the rootstock used. Leaves have reniform glands.
• Flowers: Medium-sized.
• Pollination: The variety is fully self-fertile.

Fruit

• Size and Shape: Medium to large fruits, almost perfectly round and visually very uniform.
• Color and Skin: The golden-yellow to green-yellow base color is 40 to 60% covered with an attractive bright red blush. The skin is medium-thick and firm.
• Flesh: Bright yellow, very firm, juicy, and clean. It separates easily from the pit (freestone). Note: It is distinctly red around the pit, which makes it less suitable for commercial canning (it colors the syrup), though this is not an issue for home canning.
• Taste and Use: Excellent taste. Highly versatile – superb for fresh consumption, home canning, and especially freezing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Above-average frost resistance. A proven cultivar for climates with cold winters.
• Chilling Requirement: Estimated at 950 hours, making it ideal for temperate climates but unsuitable for very warm, mild-winter areas.
• Diseases: Moderately susceptible to bacterial spot, which should be managed with standard protective measures.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Fruit Thinning: Because of its tendency to overcrop, the tree sets a heavy fruit load. To achieve adequate fruit size and maintain tree vigor, thorough fruit thinning is essential.

Harvest and Transport

• Harvest Time: Late variety. Ripens approximately 4 weeks after 'Redhaven'.
• Transportability: Thanks to its firm skin and solid flesh structure, it handles manipulation and shipping excellently.