UPDATE: 2024 was the last year we are offering Reliance in any significant numbers compared to previous years. It has not been that hardy for us. All Reliance we planted near Frenchtown (just outside of Missoula) bit the dust when met with -29°F on the morning of Jan. 13th, 2024. Meanwhile, Contender and Siberian Peach fared much better, along with our seedlings of Contender and Veteran.

Fruit Description & Flavor

Reliance is a medium-sized fruit that is dark red, splashed over a yellow background. The bright yellow, firm flesh is honey-sweet, fine-flavored, and freestone. After putting on a beautiful show of pink flowers in early spring, the fruit ripens around mid-August. It's good for canning, freezing, and fresh eating.

Some say the flavor isn’t that great—but in our experience, a tree-ripened Reliance is excellent. The tree itself is vigorous and fast-growing.

Cold Hardiness & Growing Considerations

Could be planted in zone 4a depending on the site (don’t plant in zone 4a if it’s exposed and out in a field—unless you’re prepared to do things like wrapping it in burlap during cold falls, and really cutting the water off come the second week of August. Probably both.)

If you’re in an unprotected zone 4a and don’t want to do everything we just mentioned, we’d recommend planting Siberian Peach instead. Freestone. Zone 4b. Based on our experience, -25°F is likely its limit.

Pollination

Reliance is self-fertile, but—as with all peaches (and nectarines/some other stone fruits)—it’s best when planted with a partner for a larger yield. Any of our other varieties would work fine for pollination.

Tree Details

Trees are 5–7 ft tall and grafted onto Lovell semi-dwarf rootstock.