Peach (Prunus persica) MAIRA

Peach (Prunus persica) 'Maira'

One of the hardiest Latvian varieties with large and tasty fruits.

'Maira' is a Latvian peach variety, considered one of the hardiest and best adapted for cultivation in the cooler conditions of the Baltics. It is characterized by its early entry into bearing and very high productivity. The fruits are large, spherical, light yellow with a prominent red blush. The flesh is nearly white, very juicy, and has a delicious, sweet taste with a mild acidity. The variety is self-fertile and has good frost hardiness, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Adapted for cooler regions: One of the hardiest varieties for Latvian conditions.
• Self-fertile: Guarantees a harvest even without other peach trees nearby.
• High productivity and large fruits: Delivers an abundant harvest of fruits weighing 80–100 g.
• Very good sweet taste: The flesh is juicy and flavorful.
• Early ripening: The fruits ripen at the turn of July and August.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia
• Institution: Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia
• Year of registration: 2004

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is medium to strong, reaching a height of 3–4 meters. The crown is spreading and wide. It comes into bearing early, in the 3rd–4th year after planting, and is very productive, thus requiring fruit thinning. It is self-fertile.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Large, with an average weight of 80–100 grams.
• Shape: Spherical.
• Skin: Medium-thick, fuzzy, light yellow with a prominent red blush.
• Flesh: Nearly white (white-cream), soft, and very juicy.
• Taste: Very good, sweet with a mild acidity.
• Stone: Large, separates well from the flesh.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: Good, satisfactory. The frost hardiness of the flower buds is medium-good.
• Disease resistance: Medium. It is moderately susceptible to peach leaf curl.

Growing Recommendations

• Use: A dessert variety for fresh consumption.
• Protection: It is recommended to pay attention to protection against leaf curl and potential winter protection for the young tree.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early, ripening from late July to early August.