These seedlings were propagated from good-performing Contenders that we selected and grew out here in Montana. Contender has been a more reliable variety for us, and these should not disappoint.

Cold Hardiness & Field Observations

The Contender mother trees have survived -28°F in Florence, MT (with good air drainage). One of the best-flavored peaches among the commercial yellow-flesh varieties. These seedlings saw a prolonged -24°F on January 13th, 2024—with days on both ends staying continually below 0—without showing any signs of frost damage.

Our suspicion is that these seedlings could make it into the -30s once they’re bigger, as older trees tend to become more resistant to cold temps (as long as they don’t have injuries).