Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look for fuzzy gray growth on the fruit.
- Check if the spots are circular or angular.
- Inspect the tree for mummified fruit left from last season.
Likely causes
Brown rot
Most likelyHow to tell: Small brown spots appear on fruit and quickly expand into fuzzy, gray rot. The fruit may shrivel into mummies that stay on the branch.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected fruit immediately. Do not leave mummified fruit on the tree over winter.
Bacterial spot
PossibleHow to tell: Small, angular spots appear on leaves and fruit. The spots on leaves may fall out, leaving a shot hole appearance.
What to do: Ensure the tree has good airflow by pruning properly in winter. Avoid overhead watering which spreads bacteria.
Find out what's wrong with your peach tree
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Brown rot is very serious because it can destroy your entire harvest in days. Bacterial spot is less lethal but can weaken the tree over time.
Stopping it coming back
Prune your tree annually to keep the center open for air circulation. Always clean up fallen fruit and leaves from the ground.
Peach tree: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peach tree and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I eat fruit with brown rot?
- No, it is best to discard it. The rot spreads very quickly and will ruin any other fruit it touches.
- How do I stop spots from spreading?
- Keep the tree clean by removing debris and infected fruit. Proper pruning for airflow is your best defense.
More problems with Peach tree
- Why are my peach tree leaves curling?
- Why is my peach tree dropping leaves?
- Why are my peach tree leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my peach tree not producing flowers?
- How do I deal with pests on my peach tree?
- Why are my peach tree leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my peach tree drooping?
- How do I know if my peach tree has root rot?
- Why is my peach tree growing so leggy?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.