Peach tree named “Gulfcrest”

Abstract

‘Gulfcrest’ is a new and distinct variety of peach tree which has a moderate winter chilling requirement of approximately 525 chill units. The tree is of large size, is highly vigorous with a semi-spreading growth habit. The tree has showy pink flowers and reniform leaf glands. Trees of ‘Gulfcrest’ bear self-fertile flowers and regularly bear heavy annual crops which are large for the moderately early ripening season. Fruit at harvest have yellow, clingstone, non-melting flesh. Fruit are uniformly firm, attractive, substantially symmetrical shape, and have an attractive normally 90 to 95% red skin with moderately fine red stripes from tip to shoulder. The fruit ripens 4 to 5 days after ‘Flordacrest’ in early May at Attapulgus, Ga.

We claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct peach tree variety as illustrated and described, characterized by a moderate chilling requirement, and bearing early-ripening fruit with firm, yellow and non-melting flesh of high eating quality and an attractive, high percentage red skin color with fruit ripening in mid-May or 4 to 5 days after ‘Flordacrest’ at Attapulgus, Ga.