Comedian and South Carolina native Stephen Colbert once famously admonished Georgia for calling itself the peach state, noting that South Carolina produces not just more peaches – 90,000 tons a year – but much tastier varieties as well. In fact, peaches are so important to South Carolina that Clemson University employs a “Peach Team” to grow and research 350 different types of the fuzzy fruit at the Musser Fruit Research Farm in Seneca.
Surrounded by Lake Hartwell on three sides, this farm saw its first trees planted in 1984, followed by the construction of its research building in 1994. Its location on the lake helps buffer the trees from spring freezes, and the results from research help bolster the fruit industry for South Carolina growers. Only California grows more peaches.
Musser Fruit Research Farm also grows apricot, nectarine, almond, plum, and cherry trees, diversifying fruit tree research and increasing the agricultural economy of the state. Who knew science could taste so good?
The South Carolina Picture Project thanks contributor Mark VanDyke for his photo. VanDyke goes on to say the following about Musser Fruit Research Farm:
“The Musser property is a 240-acre fruit research farm owned and operated by Clemson University. I believe it is best known for its commercial peach cultivars, however, there are nectarine, almond, apricot, plum, and cherry trees on the property. According to the website, the farm is bordered on three sides by Lake Hartwell which in effect regulates the microclimate. The first trees were planted in 1984 and the farm was officially dedicated in 1994. The entire farm and its buildings were constructed via a state bond of $1.5 million to improve fruit research facilities at Clemson University.”
I would like to purchase some peach and plum trees. Is this the place I need to be? If so please e-mail me a list of fruit trees you have for sale with prices.
I am looking for a plum tree like I had before. I’m sure it was grafted from an apricot tree. It grew to 9 ft tall and 6 to 8 inches in width and flowered in April. When frost did not occur it was a prolific bearing tree with up to 2 in plums purple on the outside and yellow juicy flesh on the inside any idea what type of plum tree this was and where I could get another to plant.
Hi, Wallace. We are not actually associated with the Musser Fruit Farm, but the website for Clemson Extension is listed above the map, and someone there may be able to answer your question. Good luck!
Marvelous site, thanks for sharing !!
Prices to ship to Michigan please.
Hi, Mary. There is a website for the farm posted above the map. I hope that helps!
Can I buy peaches (retail) from your farm? If not, can you recommend other farms or locations that might be available from the Charlotte/Gastonia area?
Hi, Billy. The website above the map may be able to answer your question. Good luck!