When are peaches in season, and how do you tell a ripe peach?
Short version: peaches are a summer fruit, roughly Jun to Aug, starting earlier in Georgia and South Carolina and later in the North. A ripe peach has lost its green ground color (the color under the red blush), gives slightly to gentle pressure and smells like peach.
When is peach season?
Utah State Extension notes harvest there from mid July into September. Southern orchards start earlier. Each variety lasts a week or two, so farms often rotate through several.
How do you tell if a peach is ripe?
Look at the ground color, not the red. K-State, Iowa State and Clemson all say the red blush comes from sun and is not a good sign of ripeness. Look for the background to turn from green to yellow or cream. A ripe peach lifts off with a gentle twist. Press with your palm, not fingertips, since peaches bruise easily.
Will peaches ripen after picking?
Firm peaches with mature ground color soften at room temperature; Utah State suggests a loosely closed paper bag. Green peaches will not get sweeter. Refrigerate once ripe.
Where can you pick peaches?
These farms mention peaches in their listing. Check each farm before you go.
- Honey Rock Landing, Delta, CO
- Black's Peaches, York, SC
- Efurd Peach Orchard, Pittsburg, TX
- M and M Peach Ranch, Lake Hughes, CA
- McKinney Farms, A Peachy Place, Byron, CA
- Mike's UPick Peaches, Brentwood, CA
- Peach Country, Campobello, SC
- The Peach Tree Orchards, York, SC
- Moelker Orchards & Farm Market LLC, Grand Rapids, MI
- Bob's Vegetable Stand and Pumpkin Farm, Half Moon Bay, CA
- Mobilia Fruit Farm, North East, PA
- Peach Hill Orchard, Martinsburg, PA
See peach and cherry farms and cherry season.
Quick questions
What month are peaches in season?
Summer, roughly June to August, earlier in the South.
Is red color a sign a peach is ripe?
No. Look for the background color to turn from green to yellow or cream.
Sources
- Utah State Extension: when are peaches ready to pick
- Clemson HGIC: how to determine peach ripeness
- K-State Extension: peach harvesting
- Iowa State Extension: harvesting and storing tree fruit
General guidance, not advice for a specific farm. Farm rules, prices and dates vary, so check with the farm.