University of Maryland Extension

Care (fertilizing, fruit thinning, harvesting, spray schedule) - Stone Fruit

Fertilizing Peach, Cherry, Plum

Water

Stone fruits are more shallow-rooted than pome fruits and so are less drought-hardy. Peaches
are most sensitive to drought at final swell when the fruit is rapidly increasing in size. Water
the tree deeply at this time.

Fruit Thinning

- A practice that improves fruit production and overall management of tree fruits.

Harvesting

Allow stone fruits to ripen on the tree. Their sugar content will not increase after they are
picked. Harvest fruits while still firm, however, to minimize fruit disease, especially brown rot.

Spray Schedule 

- Pest control and spray schedule.

General Disease and Insect Pest Control Recommendations

Home Fruit Preventative Spray Schedule and Management of Common Problems

Section: 
Home and Garden Information Center
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