Aadu Peach ( Shan-e- Punjab)

Shan-i-Punjab is arguably the most successful and widely grown peach variety in the Indian plains. Developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in 1979, it revolutionized peach farming in India because it allowed high-quality peaches to grow in the heat of the subtropics (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and UP).

Here is everything you need to know about this "Pride of Punjab":

🍑 Why it’s the Best Choice

• Low-Chill Requirement: It only needs 250–300 chilling hours (temperatures below 7°C) to break dormancy. This is why it thrives in the plains where traditional "hill" peaches would fail to bloom.

• Early Harvest: The fruit matures in the first week of May. This is a huge advantage as it hits the market before the extreme summer heat (and before hill peaches arrive), fetching better prices.

• Tree Vigor: The trees are very vigorous and spreading. A healthy, mature tree can yield about 70 kg of fruit.

• Fruit Profile

  • Appearance: Large, round fruits that turn an attractive yellow with a red blush when fully ripe.

  • Taste & Texture: The flesh is yellow, firm, and juicy with a balanced sweet-tangy flavor. It has a TSS (sugar content) of about 12%.

  • Stone Type: It is Freestone when fully ripe, meaning the pit separates easily from the flesh—perfect for eating fresh.

  • Usage: Highly recommended for canning and processing due to its firm flesh, though it is mostly eaten fresh in India.

  🛠️ Quick Planting Guide

  If you are planning to grow a Shan-i-Punjab tree:

  1. Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy loam soil. It is very sensitive to waterlogging (it can die if water stands around the roots for too long).

  2. Sunlight: Requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sun for the best color and sweetness.

  3. Spacing: If planting multiple trees, keep a distance of 5m x 5m or 6m x 6m.

  4. Pruning: Crucial! Since peaches fruit on one-year-old wood, you must prune them in December/January (when the tree is dormant) to encourage new growth.

  5. Fertilizer: Apply Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and a balanced fertilizer in January, just before the pink blossoms appear.