Question sent by email:

I live in London and I have 2 Saturn peach trees for the past 3 years they have not given any fruits and after the blossom, they have had a disease on their leaves that tend to curl and have red blisters. What can I do?

#NationalGardeningWeek (thread)

Answer: Self pollination occurs when the pollen from the anther is deposited on the stigma of the same flower. This is normally done by bees and other pollinating insects. However, in the UK there are few pollinators around when the Peach blossoms so it will need a little help.

To help transfer pollen use a small paintbrush or feather to press the bristles every bloom on a sunny afternoon.

The blisters and leaf curl is symptomatic of “Peach leaf curl”. This is caused by a fungal disease which is carried by the rain. There are no chemical controls.

Keep the emerging shoots dry by covering the tree if possible from January until mid -May with a plastic sheet purpose made on a frame which can be leaned against the wall. It will give some protection from frost also while allowing pollinators in.

Feed the peach with a liquid seaweed fertiliser though out the summer until harvest. Potassium in the food will help fight disease, grow stronger and produce more crops. (end of thread)