Prunus persica - Peach tree, 桃

Origins China
Type Perennial (deciduous)
Hardiness (see References, below) - Zones 5 - 9
Bloom Spring
Height 26 ft (8 m)

Cultivation
Sunny location, with neutral or alkaline soils. Plant your Peach Tree in the Fall.
Peaches require, Winter season, to rest. That said, they will tolerate moderate, not dramatic drop in temperatures.
Too much chilly weather, may kill tree's flower buds, and

unable it to produce fruit in the incoming season.
If you do have chilly Winters, it may help, planting your tree sheltered, against south facing wall.
Peaches love long, hot and sunny Summers; the more the better, for quality fruit production. Prune your Peach Tree.
Do it after the danger of severe frosts is gone in the Spring, or thin your tree after first, unripe fruit falls to the ground, in around June. Do a little more pruning later in the Summer.

Do not do any pruning in cold Winter weather. If your tree had been frost beaten in Winter, do not prune it, till next season. When pruning, try keeping your tree umbrella-like, shaped. Cut out most of the vigorous, upright growth, down to the branch it came from.
Remove any growth that is either dead or diseased. Remove growth that crosses with other branches.
Peach is susceptible to diseases. It is also (relatively) short lived, usually up to 20 years, so it may be a good practice to add a new Peach Tree, or two every few years.

Propagation
By seed, plant directly in the ground during Fall season. Beware, there are many hybrid varieties around, and the seed planted may not necessarily produce Peach Tree that is true to its mother plant. You can also take pencil sized cuttings, in late Winter (before the foliage and flowers appear), dip them in root hormone and plant outdoors, in frames with heated bottoms. This apparently will enable root,

rather than bloom and foliage development. Propagation by grafting is also a great alternative, since it will help make your Peach Tree more disease resistant.

Other
Beautiful, and very useful tree to have and enjoy.
Bark, blooms, leaves, oil, and of course the fruit itself, have all got practical application in home made remedies, and small, and large scale food, beverage, and beauty products manufacturing.

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References - Find more about: Hardiness Zones
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: - blogger
dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Gloria K. Thompson, Jasmine&Roses, John Pitocco Photography, rakka_pl, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, weaselmcfee, W.D. Williams