Peach and Sweet cherry are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Prunus persica 3.5 m × 3.5 m after 10 years
A fast-growing fruit tree that starts cropping early, with pink spring blossom and juicy fruit ripening from midsummer to early autumn; the…
Prunus avium 4.5 m × 3.5 m after 10 years
Sweet cherry is covered in white blossom in spring and gives the first fresh fruit of summer from late May to July. It is sold grafted and the…
Sweet cherry is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -23 °C for Peach.
|
Feature
|
Peach
|
Sweet cherry
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Fruit | Fruit |
| Size after 10 years | 3.5 m × 3.5 m | 4.5 m × 3.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 3–7.5 m × 3–7.5 m | 3–8 m × 2.5–5.5 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | March–April, pink | April–May, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | High | High |
| Planting distance | 400 cm | 500 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €14 | approx. €14 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
Besides the cookies the site needs to work, we would like to use analytics and advertising cookies (Google, Facebook), if you allow it. Details