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Challenger Peach on BY520-9. Nematode Resistant Peach/nectarine (Spring 2024)


A very cold-hardy, freestone peach with excellent disease resistance. Also known as NC-C3-68.

Challenger is very cold hardy. Its flowers buds, bloom, and young fruit all demonstrate high tolerance for freezing temperatures. This tree also has excellent resistance to bacterial spot. It is self-fertile and does not need a second variety present as a pollenizer.

Challenger is an improved descendent of Reliance. It has a larger fruit with more attractive coloring, firmer flesh, and improved texture. The peaches are medium sized with a red, low fuzz skin. 

Crossed in 1987 and selected in 1990, this cultivar is a cross of Redhaven with a breeding selection derived from Reliance and Biscoe. It was developed by NCSU.

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$27.25

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Challenger is very cold hardy. Its flowers buds, bloom, and young fruit all demonstrate high tolerance for freezing temperatures. This tree also has excellent resistance to bacterial spot. It is self-fertile and does not need a second variety present as a pollenizer.

Challenger is an improved descendent of Reliance. It has a larger fruit with more attractive coloring, firmer flesh, and improved texture. The peaches are medium sized with a red, low fuzz skin. 

Crossed in 1987 and selected in 1990, this cultivar is a cross of Redhaven with a breeding selection derived from Reliance and Biscoe. It was developed by NCSU.


The Fruit

Fruit Type

Category: Peach
Subcategory: Freestone, Cold-Hardy, Disease-Resistant

Fruit Uses & Storage

Uses: fresh eating, jam, baking, canning, freezing, jelly
Storage duration: less than one month (approximate, depending on storage conditions)

Fruit Appearance

Skin color: red
Flesh color: yellow

Fruit Origins

Parentage: Redhaven x (NC001, NC002, NC003 [Reliance x Biscoe])
Origin: Sandhills Research Station, Jackson Springs, NC
Introduced in: 1999
Introduced by: NC State University

The Environment

Calendar & Geography

USDA zones: 5 - 9
Chill hours: Not yet determined
Ripening date: Aug 15 (approximate, in New York State) +7 days after Redhaven

Tree Height & Spacing

Rootstock: BY520-9. Nematode resistant peach/nectarine Rootstock
Rootstock size class: Standard (100% Size)
Tree spacing: See details
Good for wildlife planting? N

Diseases & Pests

Bacterial Spot: Very Resistant






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