By Clint Thompson
Georgia peach growers will be interested to know that current chill hours throughout the state remain on par with previous years, according to the UGA Weather Network.
In Byron, Georgia, located in the central part of the state, there were 437.5 chill hours recorded from Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 5, compared to 420.25 last year and 463.5 two years ago. During that same timeframe, there were 309.25 hours recorded in Moultrie, Georgia, compared to 295.75 last year and 310.75 two years ago.
In Waycross, Georgia, 353.25 chill hours were recorded, compared to 331.25 last year and 325.75 two years ago.
Fruits, like peaches and apples, require chill hours to mature. Specific to peaches, the required chill hours depend on the particular variety growers choose to plant. Some may require as little as 500 chill hours, while others may need as many as 800. Chill hours are generally recorded until about Feb. 14. Growers still have all of January to accumulate chilling, which is a positive for producers.
Chill hours are recorded under 45 degrees Fahrenheit.