Peach (I think) leaf curl

nickdiligent

I have a fruit tree which I've always thought was a peach. It's always had red/purple leaves though. Last year it had leaf curl and I cut the leaves back and they did grow back normally. This year, the same thing has happens and 90% of the purple leaves have curled. Can someone tell me it is actually a peach and if whether this will always happen every year? Thanks. Nick

BobTheGardener

There are indeed purple-leaved peaches, often sold as 'patio' peach trees.  The trick with peach-leaf curl is to avoid the leaves getting wet when they are young.  That may be easier said than done if the tree is in the ground.  If in a pot then you can keep them under cover (eg in a greenhouse) until about the end of May and only water the soil in the pot taking care to avoid wetting the leaves during that period.

Some cultivation tips here:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/peach/caring-for-purple-leaf-peach-trees.htm

nickdiligent

Thanks for the information. 

Conpj

That is Peach leaf curl, a fungal disease. Peaches will always get it, unless protected from rain. until Summer. Better grown in greenhouse or polytunnel. You might still get some peaches on ii

valerieroberts

My peach tree is under a veranda and it’s got peach leaf curl which is very unusual as where it is it can’t be rained on. Must be a bad year for it. Valerie 

nickdiligent

Oh no. It was a very wet winter so maybe that had an impact.