Prunus persica ‘Contender’ – Yellow Peach

A 1987 introduction from North Carolina State. Despite its southerly origin, it’s very cold hardy, having survived winter temperatures of -40°F in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In addition, ‘Contender’ is very late to bloom helping it escape spring frosts. The yellow fruit is aromatic with very good flavor and very good resistance to bacterial spot. Ripens mid- to late-season (late August/early September). The combination of cold hardiness, late bloom and disease resistance makes ‘Contender’ one of the best peaches for our area.