Growing peach trees in containers

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I would like to grow a dwarf peach tree in a container and espalier it against a south facing wall with an overhang. Any suggestions as to variety of tree to chose, and also size of container, would be much appreciated.

Sheena Adams, Organic expert

You can choose to grow a peach tree on a dwarf or semi dwarf root stock.

Ideally a semi dwarf will be planted in the ground or in a container which is of a larger size, such as a half oak barrel. A dwarf rootstock is suitable for a 10-litre or larger container, and does not need to be planted into the ground. A semi dwarf will definitely grow larger, about 10 feet high and 6 wide, while a dwarf will max out at 6 feet high and 4 wide.

As for a variety, I personally would recommend a dwarf "Empress" as I have seen it do well on the coast, when protected by an overhang. Alternatively shop your local nursery and search for an appetizing peach which is leaf-curl resistant and does not require a cold winter to set bud.

Keep in mind that peaches are self-pollinating, beautiful in bloom, and love organic granular fertilizer and an annual application of dormant oil.

Best wishes!