Hill Country peach orchards have seen a few challenging winters these last years, and like every season, the harvest depends on the rainfall and cold temperatures of the dormant months for a healthy, productive summer. But this year’s crop will be a unique one due to an unprecedented week-long winter wave of snow, ice and bitter-cold winds.

In February 2021, the Hill Country saw record-breaking freezing Winter Storm Uri devastate many areas. At Burg’s Corner, cultivators could not recall a cold wave like it since they started peach-growing in the 1950’s. However, peach cultivators are optimistic thanks to a few key elements.

“The positive was that, prior to the cold hitting the orchard, we received moisture. It helped to keep the ground temps warmer as well as coated the trees with an ice barrier that works as a natural insulator,” said Kristen Restani of Burg’s Corner in Stonewall, Texas.

The mild winters have been increasingly warmer, and prior to the cold storm, this year was no exception.

“Although the trees were still dormant, the warmer weather we had prior to the cold encouraged the buds to move out slowly out of dormancy, which wasn’t a perfect scenario,” Restani said.

Indeed, residents of the area even saw flowering trees of different species as early as January. These variable factors mean each season is a live-and-learn type of situation, as cultivators wait to see how early and late crop peach trees respond to the winter.

May - June

The first clingstone peaches, named for the flesh sticking to the pit, should start to ripen in May. You will find Early Favorich, Flavorich, Regal, Carored and Junegold on peach stands.

These varieties are good for eating fresh, but not for freezing or cooking. You can pickle and can these peaches for preservation.

June-July

Semi-freestone varieties should ripen beginning in June, for those who love a flesh-free pit experience and larger peaches. GaLa, Rich Lady, and Southern Pearl will be among the varieties available during the Stonewall Peach JAMboree also planned for this time of year.

Nothing like a peach cobbler in hand while watching the local rodeo.

In July, the peach wave arrives with the most varieties available for large, juicy and scarlet skin-loving peach enthusiasts. The hot sun will ripen up varieties like Majestic, Redglobe, Dixiland, Flameprince, and Jerseyqueen.

July-August

These end-of-season freestone varieties are among the sweetest fruits, although juicy levels will depend on April showers. Should the region get the expected levels of rain, these peaches will be good for preparing jellies and jams. Look for varieties such as Big Red, Parade, Elberta, and O’Henry.

You shouldn’t wait too long to come get your peach fix in this year, since the availability might be less than last year. And the earlier you visit, the more you might find additional fruits on the stands like blackberries, nectarines, tomatoes and plums.

For information on the Peach JAMboree, visit stonewalltexas.com.

For updates on Stonewall peach availability, follow Burg’s Corner on Facebook.