Belle of Georgia Peach Tree

Belle of Georgia Peach Tree combines the romance of an old Southern orchard with fruit that still earns its place in modern gardens. In spring, the tree opens clouds of soft pink blossoms; later, its branches carry large peaches with creamy skin, a warm red blush, and firm, juicy white flesh. The flavor is richly sweet and fragrant with a delicate floral quality that distinguishes it from sharper yellow peaches. Enjoyed fresh, each peach has the perfume and tenderness associated with a true heirloom variety, while its firm texture also makes it exceptionally useful for cobblers, preserves, and canning. Belle of Georgia is especially attractive to gardeners who want more than production alone: it brings a recognizable story, seasonal beauty, and the pleasure of harvesting a classic white peach that has delighted home growers for generations.

This vigorous standard tree is a good match for growers with cold enough winters to provide 800–850 chill hours. It performs in USDA zones 5–9 and typically ripens from early to mid-August, with timing varying by region and season. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, then prune annually to maintain an open canopy with good light and air circulation.

Belle of Georgia is self-fruitful and productive by itself. A second peach with overlapping bloom can still bring more pollinator traffic to the orchard and may support fruit set; pairing it with a different harvest season also keeps fresh peaches coming longer.

Belle of Georgia Peach Tree Details

• Fruit: Large, red-blushed white peach with firm, juicy flesh
• Flavor and texture: Sweet, fragrant, floral, and classically peachy
• Best uses: Fresh eating, canning, preserves, pies, and cobblers
• Harvest: Early to mid-August, with timing varying by region and season
• USDA zones: 5–9
• Chill hours: 800–850 hours
• Tree size: Standard on Nemaguard rootstock
• Pollination: Self-fruitful and productive on its own; another compatible variety with overlapping bloom may encourage pollinator activity and support fruit set.
• Recommended companions: Consider Loring Peach for a slightly earlier crop or Fairtime Peach for a later finish.
• Special care: Prune to an open center and thin fruit early for good size and airflow.
• Something Special: Belle of Georgia was raised by Lewis A. Rumph in Marshallville, Georgia, and introduced through the Rumph family’s influential peach nursery.

Orchard Planning Resources

• Bare Root Tree Selection Guide
• How to Plant Bare Root Trees
• Fruit & Nut Tree Characteristics
• Tree Rootstock Characteristics Chart