Elberta Peaches

Elberta is a time-tested classic — known for large, juicy fruit and rich peach flavor. It’s been a favorite in home orchards and markets for generations. At December Ranch we grow Elberta for customers who love a traditional, sweet peach that’s excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.

Elberta Peach Highlights

  • Type: Freestone peach
  • Flavor: Classic sweet, rich, full-bodied peach flavor
  • Texture: Juicy, melting flesh — great for eating fresh and for desserts
  • Skin: Golden yellow with heavy red blush
  • Harvest Season in Oklahoma: Mid to late July
  • Best Uses: Fresh eating, pies, canning, freezing
  • Chill Hours: ~800–1,000 chill hours — does well in Zone 7A

Why Elberta Peaches Grow Well in Oklahoma

Elberta responds well to Oklahoma’s warm summers, which help develop the size and sugar that make the variety so well regarded. With good pruning, irrigation, and pest management, these trees produce large, showy fruit with excellent flavor. Elberta can be a little more management-intensive than some modern varieties, but many growers feel the flavor payoff is worth the extra care.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When are Elberta peaches ripe in Oklahoma? Mid to late July depending on the season.
  • Are Elberta peaches freestone? Yes — Elberta is typically freestone once fully ripe.
  • Is Elberta a high-maintenance tree? It can require careful pruning and thinning for best fruit size, but the flavor reward is high.
  • Can I pick Elberta at the ranch? Yes — Elberta is included in our U-Pick and box schedules when in season.

What Are Elberta Peaches Good For?

Elberta is wonderfully versatile — excellent fresh from the tree, and a favorite for pies and preserves because of its rich flavor. Its juicy texture and large size make it a standout at U-Pick events and farm markets.

Elberta Peaches at Our U-Pick Orchard

Join us during Elberta season for U-Pick or order a pre-picked box. Because Elberta can be large and delicate, we recommend picking on a cool morning and using gentle packing for transport.

Facts About Elberta

  • One of the oldest and most famous peach varieties in the U.S.
  • Freestone when fully ripe
  • Tree vigor: medium to vigorous
  • Requires attentive thinning for best fruit size

What People Love About Elberta

People choose Elberta for its classic peach aroma and large, succulent fruit. Bakers and jam makers prize the rich flavor, while families enjoy the generous slices for snacking.

Chill Hours Required

Elberta needs around 800–1,000 chill hours, which fits comfortably within Zone 7A for most locations.

Reserve Your Elberta Peaches

Want to reserve boxes or check U-Pick dates? Contact us and we’ll notify you when Elberta is ready.