Contender Peaches

Contender peaches are prized for their cold hardiness and dependable yields. At December Ranch we value Contender for its resilience in variable springs and its consistent mid-season production. These peaches offer pleasant flavor and good texture, making them a smart choice for growers looking for a reliable mid-season performer that handles weather swings better than many varieties.

Contender Peach Highlights

  • Type: Freestone peach
  • Flavor: Sweet, mildly aromatic, balanced acidity
  • Texture: Firm and juicy — holds up well in baking and freezing
  • Skin: Blushed red over golden yellow
  • Harvest Season in Oklahoma: Mid-July (season varies with weather)
  • Best Uses: Fresh eating, pies, freezing, jam
  • Chill Hours: ~900–1,050 chill hours — excellent for colder microclimates in Zone 7A

Why Contender Peaches Grow Well in Oklahoma

Contender was selected for greater cold tolerance and reliable bud survival, which helps protect yields when late spring cold snaps occur. Oklahoma’s winters and hot summers provide a good balance of chill and heat for Contender — cold enough to satisfy dormancy requirements and warm enough to bring out the sugar in the fruit during the growing season. Our well-drained soils and careful irrigation management help these trees thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When are Contender peaches ripe in Oklahoma? Typically mid-July—timing changes with microclimate and seasonal weather.
  • Are Contender peaches freestone? Yes — Contender is a freestone peach, making pitting and processing easy.
  • Is Contender tolerant of cold springs? Yes — it was bred for improved cold hardiness and bloom survival.
  • Can I pick my own Contender peaches? Yes — we plan to offer U-Pick during peak harvest, and we also sell pre-picked boxes.

What Are Contender Peaches Good For?

Contender’s firm texture and balanced flavor make it ideal for fresh eating and culinary uses. Bakers appreciate that the fruit holds shape in pies and cobblers, and home processors like it for jars and frozen slices. Because of its reliable sizing and structure, Contender is also a favorite for small-scale market growers who need consistency.

Contender Peaches at Our U-Pick Orchard

Visit December Ranch during Contender season to pick ripe peaches straight from the tree. U-Pick lets families enjoy the full farm experience; if you prefer, we also offer hand-picked boxes ready for pickup. Watch our harvest updates for exact picking dates each year.

Facts About Contender

  • Introduced as a cold-hardy cultivar with excellent bloom survival
  • Freestone variety — easy to pit
  • Tree size: medium, vigorous grower
  • Self-fertile, though yields improve with nearby peach varieties
  • Good resistance to bud kill and other cold injury

What People Love About Contender

Growers and pickers like Contender for its dependability and its steady performance under inconsistent spring weather. The flavor is very good for a cold-tolerant variety, and customers appreciate uniform fruit and predictable harvest timing.

Chill Hours Required

Contender requires approximately 900–1,050 chill hours — a strong match for colder pockets of Zone 7A and nearby regions.

Reserve Your Contender Peaches

Want boxes reserved or details on U-Pick? Contact us and we’ll put you on the harvest list.