Can I spray the tree with something when it is blossoming that will kill the blossoms but not harm the bees? I love the shape of this tree but it is so messy in the late summer when it drops its fruit and since it’s not very good tasting I would just as soon eliminate the peaches from forming.
There is a spray to prevent fruit set. Here is an article that discusses pros and cons and proper use. http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/horticulture-care/preventing-or-reducing-fruit-ornamental-trees
We're on westcoast of Australia. Mediterranean/sub-tropical climate...daytime temps currently 80-90deg.F, w/low humidity. We're coastal/can get breezy. Recently purchased an 5-6ft. Double-flowering ornamental peach tree. After only a few weeks, the leaves are turning reddish-brown and falling off rapidly! I've bought Yates liquid copper fungicide, but not sure if I should use it on leaves at this time of year (mid-summer). Please let me know if you can offer any suggestions to treat this tree before it's too late. Many thanks. Carol
If you are able, it would be a good idea to till some good composted organic matter, and dolomitic lime. This will act as a buffer for the soil, as well as add calcium and magnesium back to the soil. If it doesn't affect the other trees, which are a prunus species as well, then that will work to your advantage. You could go with a completely unrelated fruit species, and more than likely be fine.
I have an ornamental peach tree. I have treated the ground with weed killer and the mulch I put down this summer also has weed killer in it. Are the peaches safe to eat?
As long as you have about two months until harvest then it should be OK. Usually ornamental peaches are not quite tasty. They are edible, but they will not taste anything like a peach that one would be used to finding at the store.
This article will help; https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/growing-flowering-peach-trees.htm