Peach Madeleine de Courson – AB

Description

Peach Madeleine de Courson (Prunus persica ‘Madeleine de Courson’)

The Madeleine de Courson peach tree is an old French variety, renowned for its exceptional taste qualities and generous production. Native to the Île-de-France region, it has been cultivated since at least 1628, making it one of the oldest varieties of peach trees still grown today.

Characteristics of the fruit

• Size: Large (180 to 220 grams)
• Shape: Rounded, slightly flattened towards the top
• Colour: Yellow marbled and washed with intense red on the sunny side
• Flesh: White, veined with red towards the centre
• Flavour: Sweet, fragrant, acid-free
• Pit: Comes off well from the flesh

Culture

Exhibition

The Madeleine de Courson peach tree requires a sunny and warm exposure, ideally protected from cold winds.

Soil

It adapts to different types of soil, but prefers light, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral soils.

Pollination

This variety is self-fertile, but the presence of other peach trees nearby can improve production. It is compatible with late-flowering varieties such as Vigne Blanche Peach or Roussanne Royale.

Hardiness

Resistant to -15°C, but the flowers are sensitive to late frosts.

Care

Size

Annual pruning is recommended to maintain the shape of the tree and promote production. Carry out the pruning in late winter or early spring. For more details, see our guide to pruning fruit trees.

Disease resistance

This variety is generally resistant to peach leaf curl and common diseases, but can be vulnerable to powdery mildew. Proper aeration of the tree and preventive treatments can help prevent these problems.

Uses of the fruits of the Madeleine de Courson Peach Tree

Courson’s Madeleine peaches are excellent for:

• Fresh consumption, thanks to their juicy and fragrant flesh
• Preparation of desserts, pies and compotes
• Canning or freezing for off-season consumption

Our planting tips

1. Choose a sunny location sheltered from the cold winds for your Madeleine de Courson peach tree.
2. Prepare a wide, deep planting hole.
3. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure.
4. Plant the tree, being careful not to bury the graft point.
5. Water thoroughly after planting and install a stake if necessary.
6. Mulch the base of the tree to conserve moisture and limit weeds.

For more information on planting fruit trees, check out our guide to planting fruit trees.

Complementary varieties

To diversify your orchard, you can also consider other varieties of peach trees such as:

• White Vine Peach Tree
• Roussanne Royale
• Queen of Orchards

Our Advice Blog

Our advice in video

Our other Peach Trees