The peach, which originated in China, finds favorable conditions in the tropics for continuous production cycles, avoiding entering endodormancy for the buds. In the high altitude zones (1.800-2.700 m a.s.l.) of Colombia, varieties with low temperature requirements and short fruit development (e.g., ‘Eldorado’, ‘Diamante’) are managed in forced growing cycles with three harvests per 2 years. This is managed by the cultural practices, in order of sequence after fruit harvesting, of: fertilization, phytosanitary control, defoliation, pruning, irrigation, and application of a dormancy breaking chemical, which induces flowering 3-4 months after harvest. In the case of varieties with higher temperature requirements and longer fruit development (e.g., ‘Rubidoux’), harvesting is possible every 10.5 to 11.00 months. Thus, production can be programmed for the second half of the year, when the value in the market is comparatively higher. This article aims to clarify some bases of physiology and development of the peach in the tropics upon which it could be possible to implement a system and management for continuous harvests under conditions found in Colombia. Additional key words: endodormancy, chilling hours, continuous cropping. Fecha de recepcion: 17-03-2010 Aprobado para publicacion: 02-06-2010