Indian Peach, Blackboy (Dwarf)

Blackboy Peach/Indian Peach - Dwarf

A very rare unusual peach tree, perfect for Perth metro. The Indian Peach (Blackboy) (Prunus persica) is a must-have for any garden, offering not only delicious fruit but also stunning ornamental value. This hardy, late-cropping variety is known for its resilience and productivity. Often referred to as the ‘Blackboy’, this dwarf peach tree is a beautiful addition to any landscape, bursting into pink blossoms in early spring and offering a striking display of autumn foliage after fruiting.

The Indian/Blackboy produces medium-sized peaches with velvety dark wine-coloured skin and a unique blend of red and cream-coloured flesh. These peaches are exceptionally sweet and juicy, perfect for enjoying fresh off the tree. They are also versatile in the kitchen, ideal for making stews, pies, tarts, jams, and chutneys. The freestone habit of the fruit makes it easy to pit, simplifying the processing of your harvest.

This peach tree is self-fertile, meaning it does not require a cross-pollinator, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens. It thrives in a full sun position in well-fertilised soil. Regular pruning, fertilising, and watering will ensure an abundant harvest of high-quality fruit.

Dwarf Peach Indian, Blackboy Peach, Prunus persica, self-fertile peach, late cropping peach, ornamental peach tree, Australian gardens, bare-rooted tree.

Why are they called Indian Peaches?

Peaches aren’t native to America, but they arrived so early that early settlers believed they were. Spanish explorers introduced the peach, and by 50 years after Cortez, they were widespread in Mexico and grew in St. Augustine, Florida by 1565, thanks to missionaries.

John Lawson, traveling Carolina in the early 1700s, described the “Indian Peach,” a large, juicy fruit with reddish skin and a thick stone, believed to be native. This hardy peach, known as the "Vinegar Peach," was valued for its resilience and ability to withstand harsh conditions.

French settlers in Louisiana encountered peaches in 1698, likely from Spanish influences. The Indian Peach reached South Carolina by 1806 and was prized for its deep brown skin and unique ability to grow true from seed, unlike most peaches.

Although this variety faded from markets by the late 1800s, some nurseries still offer what they call “Indian Blood Peach,” though its authenticity is uncertain. Those interested in heirloom fruit trees may find joy in seeking out the closest relative to this historic peach.