Growing Peaches and Plums in Florida A Guide to a Sweet Southern Harvest
- Mel Kanaris
- May 20
- 3 min read
Few fruits scream "southern summer" like a juicy peach or sweet-tart plum picked straight from the tree. At GreenDreams Nursery, we help growers across Florida and beyond bring these iconic orchard crops into their own backyards. Whether you're new to fruit trees or expanding your edible landscape, peaches and plums are a rewarding—and surprisingly easy—pair to grow.
Let us introduce you to our favorite Florida-friendly peach and plum cultivars, share planting and care tips, and let you in on why now is the best time to grab one of these popular trees (before they’re gone!).
Why Peaches & Plums Belong in Your Florida Garden
Florida’s mild winters and long growing seasons make it possible to enjoy stone fruits—yes, even peaches and plums—when you choose the right low-chill varieties. These trees produce fragrant spring blooms, provide shade and beauty, and reward you with baskets of sweet, juicy fruit.
And let’s be real: a ripe peach or plum from your yard tastes nothing like the store-bought stuff.
Cultivars We Carry (Pickup Only – While Supplies Last!)
All of our peach and plum trees are grafted, low-chill varieties, suited for Florida’s climate and available for pickup only at our Spring Hill, FL nursery.
Retail Nursery Address:
18709 US Hwy 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Open Hours: Tue–Fri 9am–5pm | Sat 8am–3pm
Check nursery info & pricing: https://www.greendreamsfl.com/retail-nursery-location
⚠️ Note: These trees sell out FAST. We restock weekly, but many never make it to our public inventory list. The best way to see what’s available is to visit us in person.
Peach Cultivars Available
Floridabelle – Juicy, golden yellow flesh with strong aroma and flavor
Florida Prince – Early ripening, sweet with a tart edge
Tropic Beauty – Rich flavor and compact size, great for small yards
Tropic Snow – White-fleshed, aromatic, creamy-sweet profile
Florida King – Vigorous grower, excellent producer, balanced flavor
Florida Crest – Great texture, sweet with a mild tang
UF One – University of Florida release, flavorful and dependable
Tropic Sweet – Super sweet, great for fresh eating
Plum Cultivars Available
Scarlet Beauty – Deep red skin, sweet and tangy flesh
Gulf Beauty – Very low chill, early fruiting and productive
Lee Yellow – Golden skin, unique tropical-style flavor
Lee Red – Bright red plum, juicy and rich in taste
How to Plant and Care for Peach & Plum Trees in Florida
Choose the Right Spot:
Full sun is a must! These trees need 6–8+ hours of direct sunlight. Well-draining soil is critical—if your yard holds water, consider a raised bed or mound.
Planting Tips:
Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball.
Keep the graft union above soil level.
Water deeply at planting, and mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk).
Watering:
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially the first year. Avoid waterlogging.
Pruning:
Prune in late winter to shape the tree and improve air flow. Thin fruit when they’re marble-sized for bigger harvests.
Fertilizing: Use an organic fruit tree fertilizer 2–3x per year in spring and summer.
Common Challenges (and How to Beat Them)
Frost: Protect young trees with frost cloth if temps drop below 32°F during flowering.
Pests: Monitor for aphids, borers, or fungal issues. Neem oil or beneficial insects are great organic controls.
Diseases: Avoid overwatering and prune for airflow to prevent leaf curl and mildew.
Can’t Visit Our Nursery? Shop Online!
While peaches and plums are only available for pickup, we ship many other fruiting plants, medicinals, perennial vegetables, and support species nationwide via UPS.
→ Shop our online store: https://www.greendreamsfl.com/online-store
The Sweet Rewards of Growing Peaches & Plums
There’s something special about harvesting fruit you’ve grown yourself—and with the right low-chill peach and plum varieties, Florida growers can enjoy orchard-quality flavor from their own backyard.
We hope you’ll come explore our nursery in person and see what’s fruiting now. Just don’t wait—these trees won’t stay in stock for long.
Sources to Learn More About Peaches & Plums for Your Garden or Farm:
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