Peak peach season in North Carolina is well underway, and many farms are expecting an extended season through October this year.
“Due to the warmer winter, many farms didn’t get a freeze after peaches began budding this year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “That, combined with the sandy soil and good drainage where they grow best means our farmers have plenty of peaches at their farmstands, farmers markets and in the grocery store.”
Between 2017 and 2022, the number of peach farms and total peach acreage increased in North Carolina. As of the 2022 Census of Agriculture, North Carolina had 356 peach farms on a total of 1,273 acres. Most peaches in the Cape Fear region are grown on a small scale, by individuals with one to 20 trees.
“North Carolina grows more than two dozen varieties of peaches. Growers are harvesting clingstone peaches now and will begin harvesting freestone varieties near the end of the month,” said Khaila Daye, marketing specialist with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
To find local peaches near you, download the Visit NC Farms app at https://visitncfarmstoday.com/.
