Prunus persica 'MARIA BIANCA'

Maria Bianca is an Italian peach tree variety which originated as a cross between J.H. Halle and Michelini in 1980. It produces large, almost perfectly round fruit that weighs 150-200g. Its softly hairy skin is pale yellow and flushed or marbled red up to 80% if exposed to sun. The flesh is white with green tones, cling freestone, juicy but firm, and sweet with low acidity. In wine areas it matures from mid July i.e. 3 weeks before Michelini, and stores well for almost 15 days. Trees are vigorous with upright branches and suitable also for slightly colder locations. Maria Bianca is very productive, reliable, and self-fertile.

We suggest planting peach trees in free space so it can feel cold, spring breeze which will delay flowering and thus prevent the flowers from frost damage. It likes slightly alkaline soil, moist but well drained. Do not transplant bare-root trees in autumn, only in spring. Pruning is possible in early spring after flowering or in mid-late August after harvesting the fruit – reduce long branches to 30-50% of their size and remove weak ones. The best yield however is from an unpruned tree which grows naturally. Thinning is recommended to achieve larger fruit. Maria Bianca tolerates short spells of -31 °C (USDA zone 5) and is suitable for marginal regions of peach cultivation.

Last update 10-12-2021