‘Gloria’, a Novel Late Season Peach Cultivar with Firm, Sweet, Low-acid Freestone Flesh.

Abstract

Gloria™ NJ 351, a new peach (Prunus persica) variety resulting from a cross between ‘NJ304' as the seed parent with ‘J19-19-862144' peach tree, is a large, globose to slightly ovate, 60-90% scarlet red over orange-yellow ground color, yellow-fleshed, freestone peach ripening from August 21-24, approximately 26 days after Redhaven. It was released after regional adaptability testing at Rutgers University’s fruit research farms and test blocks at growers' orchards in New Jersey. Fruit is nearly non-melting and has a typical weight of 255 g, with soluble solids generally upward of around 12 Brix. Fruit can easily grow larger than 75 mm (3 inches) in diameter if left to hang for a longer period. The flesh is very firm, with low acidity and a good flavor, and exhibits excellent keeping quality. The tree is spreading, vigorous, and very productive with low susceptibility to bacterial spot. Fruit physical and chemical properties were comparable to or better than ‘July Prince’, ‘Flamin Fury PF 24’, and ‘Messina’, popular varieties in this growing season. In 2025, the first bloom occurred three to four days later, and full bloom was seven to 11 days later than these concurrent varieties. The delayed and prolonged bloom trait is very useful in avoiding frost damage. Additionally, fruit remains on the tree longer without losing its firmness and other fruit qualities after reaching commercial ripeness. All of these traits qualify ‘Gloria’ as a novel peach variety.