Contender Peach
- Ships Direct from the Manufacturer
- Shipping calculated at checkout
A freestone peach bred to set a reliable crop where late frosts and bitter winters wipe out lesser varieties.
Contender is a cold-hardy yellow-fleshed peach developed by North Carolina State University, prized across the Upper South and the colder peach-growing regions for its dependable production. The fruit is medium-to-large, firm, and richly flavored with a balanced sweet-tart juiciness, and because it is a freestone the flesh pulls cleanly away from the pit. It eats beautifully out of hand and holds its shape for canning, freezing, and baking.
Why growers choose the Contender
- Genuine cold hardiness. Bred for the upper end of peach country, it performs reliably in zones 5 through 9 where many peaches struggle to survive winter.
- Late, frost-dodging bloom. Its spring flowers open a touch later than many peaches, helping the crop slip past damaging late frosts.
- Clean freestone flesh. The firm yellow flesh separates easily from the pit, making it ideal for slicing, canning, and freezing.
- Self-fertile productivity. A single tree sets fruit on its own, so you do not need a second peach to get a harvest.
- Heavy, consistent bearing. Vigorous and productive, it returns a substantial late-summer crop year after year once established.
At a mature 12 to 15 feet, Contender makes a manageable backyard orchard tree that fits a sunny corner of the yard, anchors a small home orchard, or stands as a productive specimen that earns its keep with both spring bloom and an August harvest.
Processing: Orders ship within 1–3 business days (Mon–Fri, excluding holidays). Pre-ordered items may ship separately once available.
Shipping: Free shipping on most plants and nursery-fulfilled items via USPS Ground Advantage, FedEx or UPS Ground. Manufacturer-direct items have their own rates, calculated at checkout.
Delivery: 3–7 business days after shipment. Tracking confirmation sent via email.
Restrictions: US only. Alaska, Hawaii & territories available; longer transit times and higher rates may apply.
Questions? Contact us at Karyn@freshgardenliving.com or use the chat button on any page.
Items Not Subject to Return
The following items cannot be returned—all sales are final: Plants, Bulbs, Furniture, Greenhouses, Potting Sheds, Garden Windows, Mirrors, Garden Support Structures, Pots/Containers, and Rugs. Review all dimensions and specs before ordering.
Shipping Damage on Non-returnable Items
Email Karyn@freshgardenliving.com within 2 days of delivery with your order number and photos. We'll send a replacement when possible; if unavailable, store credit or a refund to your original payment method. Photos are required — claims cannot be processed without them.
Décor & Non-Plant Items
Contact me before shipping anything back: Karyn@freshgardenliving.com. Include your order number, item, and reason — we can often resolve it without a return.
Refunds
Approved refunds are processed within 5–7 business days of approval. Original shipping is not refunded unless we made an error or the item arrived damaged. Unauthorized returns in good condition receive store credit rather than a card refund.
For more information on returns and refunds, and our Live. Arrive. Thrive Guranatee, visit Returns & Refund Policy.
