Troubleshooting
Peach Reliance problems — and how to fix them
Peach Reliance (Prunus persica 'Reliance') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Peach leaf curl
Taphrina fungus blisters and reddens spring leaves, weakening the tree; shelter from rain with a cover from January to May, as spores spread in wet weather.
Spring frost on blossom
Even this hardy variety blooms early and can lose flowers to frost; protect blossom with fleece on cold nights and hand-pollinate under cover.
Fruit thinning needed
Sets heavily and overcrops, giving small fruit and broken branches; thin fruitlets to about one every 15 cm after the natural June drop.
Brown rot
Monilinia rots ripening fruit, especially where skins are split or wasp-damaged; remove affected fruit and mummies and improve airflow.
Prevent peach reliance problems before they start
Most peach reliance issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for peach reliance in general rather than its problems? Read the full peach reliance care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Peach Reliance problems — FAQ
Why is my peach reliance peach leaf curl?
Taphrina fungus blisters and reddens spring leaves, weakening the tree; shelter from rain with a cover from January to May, as spores spread in wet weather.
Why is my peach reliance spring frost on blossom?
Even this hardy variety blooms early and can lose flowers to frost; protect blossom with fleece on cold nights and hand-pollinate under cover.
Why is my peach reliance fruit thinning needed?
Sets heavily and overcrops, giving small fruit and broken branches; thin fruitlets to about one every 15 cm after the natural June drop.
Why is my peach reliance brown rot?
Monilinia rots ripening fruit, especially where skins are split or wasp-damaged; remove affected fruit and mummies and improve airflow.