Remember when you were a kid, road tripping in the family station wagon, wondering when you were going to reach your destination. The back seat and passing hours barely contain your excitement.
Anticipation builds with that first hint of summer. Temperatures start to get a little bit warmer, the kids are finally let out of school.
And– I’m bombarded with fruit-filled memories from my childhood. I’m sitting on the kitchen counter, peach juice is dripping down the front of my overalls. I’m “helping” my grandmother make her famous peach cobbler for the fourth of July.
Until then, hang tight and mark your calendars! Here’s how these luscious, peach crops came to the country and when they make their appearance across the U.S.
As a passionate fruit grower and food blogger, I’m often asked “what season do peaches grow?” The simple answer is summer, but there’s actually a lot more to know about peach growing seasons across different regions. Let me break down everything you need to know about when and where peaches grow in the US!
Quick Answer: When is Peach Season?
Peak peach season in most of the United States runs from May through September, with the prime harvest time falling between mid-July and mid-August However, exact timing varies by region due to different climate conditions
Understanding the Peach Growing Season
Peaches need specific conditions to grow successfully:
- Winter Chilling Hours: Trees need 350-1000 hours below 45°F during winter dormancy
- Spring Weather: Frost-free conditions after blooming begins
- Summer Heat: Warm days around 90°F for ripening
- Adequate Sunlight: Full sun exposure throughout growing season
- Proper Moisture: Regular rainfall or irrigation without excessive humidity
Peach Season by Region
Here’s a detailed breakdown of when peaches grow in different parts of the country
Southern States
- Florida: Mid-April to late May
- Georgia: Early May to September
- South Carolina: Early May to September
- Alabama: Early May to early September
- Texas: Mid-May to mid-August
Western States
- California: Early May to early September
- Colorado: Late June to October
- Idaho: August to October
- Arizona: May to early June
Northern States
- New Jersey: July to September
- Michigan: Mid-July to late September
- Pennsylvania: July to September
- Massachusetts: Mid-July to September
Midwest States
- Illinois: Late June to September
- Indiana: July to September
- Iowa: July to August
- Wisconsin: Mid-July to August
Famous Peach Growing Regions
Some areas are particularly well-known for their peaches
-
Georgia – The “Peach State”
- Known for super sweet, fuzzy peaches
- Primary harvest: May through August
-
California
- Largest peach producer in US
- Less fuzzy, more uniform appearance
- Season: May through September
-
South Carolina
- Actually outproduces Georgia!
- Similar season to Georgia
- Known for juicy, flavorful varieties
-
Colorado’s Palisade Region
- Famous for exceptionally sweet peaches
- Later season: Late June through October
How to Know When It’s Peak Peach Season
I’ve learned these reliable indicators for prime peach season:
- Local Stands: Temporary fruit stands pop up
- Farmers Markets: Abundant fresh peaches available
- Grocery Displays: Large, prominent peach sections
- Price Drops: Look for sales and promotions
- U-Pick Options: Orchards open for public picking
Tips for Buying Seasonal Peaches
When picking peaches during the season:
- Early Season: Expect more clingstone varieties
- Mid-Season: Best for freestone peaches
- Look For:
- Sweet aroma near stem
- Slight give when gently squeezed
- Golden undertones
- No green coloring
- Heavy for size
Enjoying Peaches Year-Round
While fresh peaches are best in-season, you can enjoy them other ways:
- Freeze: Stock up during peak season
- Can: Make preserves and jams
- Buy Preserved: Look for quality preserved products
- Off-Season: Southern Hemisphere imports available (though not as tasty!)
My Personal Experience
As someone who’s worked with peaches for years, I gotta tell ya – there’s nothing like biting into a perfectly ripe peach at the height of the season! I usually start getting excited around May when the first Southern peaches appear, but I think the absolute best peaches come in mid-July to mid-August when local orchards are harvesting.
While peaches technically grow in summer, understanding your local growing season helps you get the best fruit. Whether you’re in Georgia enjoying early May peaches or waiting for those late-season Idaho beauties in August, knowing when peaches grow in your area means you’ll never miss out on the perfect peach!
Want more seasonal fruit tips? Drop a comment below or sign up for my newsletter – I love sharing what I’ve learned about getting the most from each fruit season!
Last Updated: July 2025
Note: Growing seasons may vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions.
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Remember when you were a kid, road tripping in the family station wagon, wondering when you were going to reach your destination. The back seat and passing hours barely contain your excitement.
That’s how I feel about peach season.
Anticipation builds with that first hint of summer. Temperatures start to get a little bit warmer, the kids are finally let out of school.
And– I’m bombarded with fruit-filled memories from my childhood. I’m sitting on the kitchen counter, peach juice is dripping down the front of my overalls. I’m “helping” my grandmother make her famous peach cobbler for the fourth of July.
Almost, my fellow peach fans.
Until then, hang tight and mark your calendars! Here’s how these luscious, peach crops came to the country and when they make their appearance across the U.S.
A Brief History of Peaches
Every serious peach aficionado should know a little background information about this fine stone fruit. Here’s a short background.
The peach originated in China, where they were cultivated in the Yangtze River Valley. Archaeologists actually found fossilized peach stones dating back to 6000 BC.
Peaches moved west via the Silk Roads (the ancient trade routes between China and the Roman Empire) to Persia. That’s how they earned their botanical name, Prunus persica. Enter Alexander the Great, who, after conquering the Persians around 340 BC, had the good sense to bring a variety of peach seeds back to Europe.
Now this is where things get fuzzy.
There’s a couple different explanations for how they finally made their way to the U.S. The first was via Franciscan monks arriving in St. Augustine, Florida, in the mid-1500s. The second involved a horticulturist from England named George Minifie, who brought seeds to the colonies in the early 17th century.
At any rate, our favorite fruit made it to our shores, and the trees proliferated quickly throughout the south thanks to being easy to grow from seed, and easy portability and preservation of peach pits. Commercial production began in the 19th century in Maryland, Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia.
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