NEBRASKA CITY — Lately, we’ve received a lot of questions about peaches—Do we grow them? Will there be a peach season this year?
Are they available right now?
We’re happy to report: Yes! As of Friday, July 25th,
fresh peaches are available for purchase in
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard’s Apple Barn.
This season’s peach harvest includes favorites like Red Haven,
Klondike, and multiple varieties from the Flaming Fury series—
all known for their large size, juicy sweetness, and freestone ease,
making them perfect for snacking, baking, or preserving.
But growing peaches in Southeast Nebraska isn’t without
its challenges. Below, we’ve compiled helpful background
information—courtesy of our Orchard Team and Nebraska Extension
professionals—to help you better understand peach production
in our region and how to care for these beloved fruit trees at home.
Can You Grow Peaches in Nebraska?
Yes, but it takes knowledge, effort, and a bit of luck from Mother Nature.
Peaches (and apricots) thrive in temperate climates that offer cold winters
and warm summers, but late spring frosts in Nebraska can sometimes
damage flower buds and impact fruit set. Still, with proper site selection,
pruning, and care, many gardeners in Southeast Nebraska are able to
grow peaches successfully.
Varieties in Our Orchard:
Red Haven: Juicy and flavorful; excellent for fresh eating, baking, or canning.
Klondike: A unique white-fleshed peach with low acidity and great flavor.
Flaming Fury Series: Known for consistent size and sweetness,
with over 10 different cultivars grown at Kimmel.
Learn more about our peach varieties: Kimmel Orchard Peach Guide
When Are Peaches Ready to Harvest?
Peach harvest in Nebraska typically spans late June through August, depending on variety and weather. Timing is critical—once picked, peaches continue to ripen in texture, but not in sweetness, so be sure to harvest when the fruit is flavorful but still slightly firm.
Tips for Picking Peaches at Peak:
Look for a full yellow ground color (not just red blush). Gently squeeze—
fruit should give slightly, but not be too soft.
Avoid peaches with green tones; they’ll lack flavor and ripeness.
Protecting Your Fruit
Birds love ripe peaches as much as we do. Robins, orioles, and starlings can quickly cause damage near harvest time.
For backyard growers, bird netting or monofilament “teepee”
structures are two effective ways to deter damage without
harming wildlife.
Read more about peach care and harvest tips from Nebraska Extension: Growing and Harvesting Peaches & Apricots
by Sarah Browning
Want to Grow Peaches at Home?
Peach trees require full sun, well-drained soil, and annual pruning to stay healthy and productive. Most cultivars also need a certain number of chill hours (hours below 45°F) in winter to produce fruit.
Backyard Farmer offers a great overview of growing fruit trees in Nebraska: Fruit Trees & Shrubs Guide
Peaches Now Available in the Apple Barn!
Swing by this week to pick up fresh-picked Nebraska peaches—grown with care right here at Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard.
Harvests vary and quantities are extremely limited, so check back often or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok for the latest availability updates.
Thank you for supporting local agriculture and savoring the flavors of the season with us. Whether you're biting into a juicy Red Haven or baking up a warm peach cobbler, we hope our peaches add a little more sweetness to your summer.
From all of us at Kimmel—happy growing and harvesting this season!
