While nectarines may not be as widely recognized as some other stone fruits, they’re incredibly easy to grow and thrive in hot summer temperatures. In fact, the sweet aroma of ripening nectarines is a sure sign that summer is here to stay. With proper care, a nectarine tree can reward you with a bountiful harvest, making them a fantastic choice for gardeners of all levels.
And while they do require a period of chill in order to produce fruit, their relatively low maintenance requirements make them an excellent option for those new to growing stone fruits. So if you’re looking to add some summer sunshine to your garden, consider giving nectarines a try. With a little planning and TLC, you’ll be enjoying the sweet taste of success in no time.
What is a Nectarine Tree?
The fascinating story of nectarines begins in China, where they are believed to have originated as a natural mutation of peach trees (Prunus persica var. nucipersica). In fact, nectarines and peaches share such a close genetic relationship that their distinction from one another hinges on the presence or absence of just one gene – a difference that gives peaches their fuzzy exterior and nectarines their smooth skin.
From China, nectarines made their way to ancient Greece and Rome via Persia, before being introduced to the Americas by the Spanish. Today, California is home to nearly 95% of American-grown nectarines, which thrive in its favorable climate.
Best Nectarine Varieties for the Home Garden
With over 50 distinct varieties of nectarines, each with its unique preferences for climate and temperature conditions, it’s crucial to consult with local experts to determine which type thrives in your area. The right variety can make all the difference in terms of fruit production.
Nectarines are further classified into freestone and clingstone categories, with freestone types boasting flesh that easily separates from the stone, while clingstone varieties exhibit a more tenacious bond between the two. When selecting a nectarine tree for your garden, be mindful of chill hour requirements, as these trees typically necessitate around 300-800 hours below 45°F to produce fruit.
Be sure to research the specific variety you’re interested in to ensure that your local climate provides sufficient cold days. Popular nectarine varieties include…
Hardired
For those seeking a resilient nectarine, ‘Hardired’ fits the bill. This variety boasts reliable self-pollination capabilities, requiring minimal maintenance. Its hardiness allows it to thrive even in areas with winter temperatures as frigid as -30°F. Moreover, ‘Hardired’ exhibits excellent adaptability, growing well within USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9 and featuring a freestone characteristic.
Double Delight
For those residing in milder climates, ‘Double Delight’ proves to be an excellent tree choice. As a self-pollinating and heavy-yielding cultivar, it’s ideal for gardeners seeking a reliable nectarine harvest. With fruit ripening around July, this freestone variety stands out for its medium-sized, sweet nectarines. In particular, those in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 10 can enjoy the exceptional sweetness of ‘Double Delight’, making it an excellent addition to any orchard or backyard garden.
Pacific Pride
‘Pacific Pride’ is a relatively modern variety that boasts impressive resistance to leaf curl, making it an attractive option for gardeners. This hardy variety can thrive even in temperatures as low as -20°F and produces a bountiful harvest. The striking red skin gives way to crisp white flesh that’s bursting with sweetness. ‘Pacific Pride’ is well-suited to Zones 5-9, where it typically reaches maturity in August, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in these regions.
Gold Mine
For gardeners in regions with relatively mild winters, ‘Gold Mine’ nectarine trees are an excellent option. Unlike some other varieties, they don’t demand extreme cold temperatures or extended chilling periods. This self-pollinating tree is a heavy producer of large, delicious fruit that’s perfectly suited for zones 5 to 9. The fruit typically ripens in August and boasts the added convenience of being a freestone variety.
Sunglo
When it comes to using nectarines in smoothies, ‘Sunglo’ is an ideal choice due to its excellent freezing properties and low maintenance requirements. For those new to growing nectarines, ‘Sunglo’ is a great option to start with as it’s relatively easy to care for. One of the benefits of this variety is that it doesn’t require frequent pruning or heavy fertilization, making it a great choice for beginners.
Notably, ‘Sunglo’ thrives in zones 5-8 and can withstand temperatures as low as -28°F, making it a hardy and reliable option.
Mericrest
For those residing in colder climates, this variety is an excellent choice. Characterized by its medium size and vibrant yellow pulp, it’s ideal for snacking straight from the tree. As a bonus, it thrives in USDA Zones 5-8, and its cold hardiness extends down to -28°F, making it a resilient option for northern gardeners.
Flavortop
For those looking to create delicious pies and desserts, ‘Flavortop’ is an excellent choice. Its firm yellow-fleshed flesh makes it particularly well-suited for these sweet treats. With a ripening time of July, this variety pairs nicely with later-ripening options. Additionally, the tree itself is quite productive, bursting forth with flowers in the spring. And, with its hardiness spanning Zones 5 to 9, it’s an ideal choice for gardeners in those regions.
Fantasia
When it comes to cooking and preserving, Fantasia excels. Its harvest season typically falls between late July and early August, offering an abundance of fruit. However, this productive tree does require some maintenance – thinning out the fruit is necessary for a bountiful crop. Furthermore, Fantasia thrives in zones 5 to 8, tolerating temperatures as low as -20°F.
Red Gold
A notable characteristic of ‘Red Gold’ nectarine trees is their resistance to skin cracking or splitting, making them an ideal choice for gardeners who have struggled with these issues in the past. This variety has proven hardiness in Zones 5 to 9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F. As a bonus, ‘Red Gold’ trees produce vibrant pink flowers in the spring, adding a pop of color to your landscape.
Propagating Nectarine Trees From Seed
For a reliable nectarine tree, consider purchasing one from your local nursery that is well-suited to your region’s climate. Alternatively, you can try propagating a tree from seed, which can be a fun and educational experience. However, keep in mind that it may take up to four years for the tree to produce fruit, if it does at all. To start the process, you’ll need to stratify the seed by mimicking the natural seasonal cycle.
This involves chilling the seed at temperatures between 32-40°F for up to four months, although two months is usually sufficient. Here’s a step-by-step guide:First, remove the seed from the hard pit that surrounds it. Allow the pit to dry out for a couple of days to make this task easier. Next, lightly hit the sharp end of the pit with a hammer, taking care not to hit the flat side, which could crush the seed inside.
Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, then discard any that float to the surface, as they are unlikely to sprout. Wrap the remaining seeds in paper towels and spray them with water. Place this package in a sealable plastic bag and store it in the fridge. Check on the seeds every 15-20 days and replace any paper towels that develop mold. Spray the new towels with water or rehydrate any old ones that have dried out.
Once the seed has germinated, you can remove it from the fridge and plant it in seed-raising soil in a small pot. Plant it about an inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist. Once the seedling is established, you can transplant it into a larger container and harden it off for a week before planting it outside.
How to Care For Nectarine Trees
Nectarine trees thrive in USDA Growing Zones 5-10, where they can be planted from late winter to early spring in a location receiving full sun but sheltered from harsh winds. When it comes to soil conditions, a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. Crucially, the ground must drain well to prevent waterlogged roots that can lead to root rot and other problems. The perfect balance allows for moisture retention without saturation.
To promote healthy growth, mulch around the base of the tree, but ensure it doesn’t come into contact with the trunk. This helps maintain a clean and disease-free environment. When it comes to watering, newly planted nectarine trees require about two gallons per week. If rainfall provides sufficient moisture – typically around an inch per week – avoid supplementing, as this can lead to overwatering issues.
Fertilizing and Pruning Nectarine Trees
When it comes to nurturing nectarine trees, a well-timed fertilizer application can make all the difference. To promote healthy growth and maximize your harvest, consider fertilizing your tree in early spring using a high-phosphorus formula with low nitrogen content. This will help stimulate root development and fruiting without promoting excessive leaf growth. In addition to proper nutrition, regular pruning is crucial for maintaining the overall health of your nectarine tree.
Perform this critical task during the winter months when the tree is dormant. Start by removing any diseased or damaged branches that may be compromising the tree’s integrity. Next, focus on shaping the tree by cutting back crossing, crowded, or rubbing branches to allow for optimal air circulation and sunlight penetration. It’s also important to understand that nectarines grow on second-year wood, meaning the fruit will develop on branches that are two years old or more.
This means you should prioritize pruning older growth when shaping your tree to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Best Companion Plants for Nectarine Trees
When it comes to planting near your tree, there are several options that can not only enhance the surrounding area but also provide benefits for the tree itself. One approach is to incorporate strong-smelling plants into your garden design. Coriander, dill, chives, garlic, onions, and nasturtiums are all great choices as they repel aphids, mites, and certain borers that can harm your tree.
Additionally, consider planting marigolds, mint, tansy, bee balm, and bergamot which not only add visual interest but also have natural pest-repelling properties. For a more holistic approach, comfrey is another option worth considering as it acts as a fertilizer plant for trees, promoting healthy growth and development.
Problems and Solutions for Growing Nectarines
While stone fruit trees, including nectarines, are generally healthy, they do face various disease and pest challenges. It’s essential to stay vigilant and monitor your trees regularly to prevent or address these common issues.
Bacterial Canker
Bacterial canker manifests itself through the formation of gummy lumps on the tree’s surface, often accompanied by dark, sunken spots on the fruit that resemble water damage. In severe cases, it may also lead to limb die-back. This disease is caused by Pseudomonas syringae, a type of bacteria that thrives in plant material and spreads through water.
To effectively prevent bacterial canker, it’s essential to maintain your tree’s overall health through proper feeding, planting, and watering practices. Regularly pruning away any damaged or diseased limbs as soon as they appear is also crucial. Interestingly, fungicides are ineffective against this disease, so it’s best to focus on other methods of prevention rather than relying on chemical treatments.
Tarnished Plant Bug
The tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris) is a winged insect that injects toxic substances into the shoots and buds of trees, causing deformation and compromising fruit growth. This pest’s voracious appetite spans hundreds of plant species, inflicting serious damage while also facilitating disease transmission. It’s essential to maintain a weed-free garden, as certain plants like butterweed, fleabane, goldenrod, vetch, dock, and dog fennel serve as favored feeding grounds for these bugs.
When it comes to tackling this pest, conventional home pesticides are often ineffective. Instead, you’ll need to resort to more heavy-duty measures, such as using knockdown insecticides containing pyrethrin. Additionally, parasitic wasps can be a natural ally in controlling tarnished plant bug populations.
Leaf Roller
The tiny, but pesky leaf rollers are actually the larvae of moths belonging to the Tortricidae family. These minuscule creatures create intricate silk nests within the rolled leaves of trees, often causing harm to the plant’s overall health. If you’re concerned about how to spot and manage these unwanted guests, we’ve got a comprehensive guide waiting for you here.
Leaf Curl
Peach leaf curl, caused by the fungus Taphrina deformans, can significantly impact trees’ appearance and health. Infected leaves often display a range of symptoms including reddening, puckering, twisting, and lumpiness, leading to defoliation in severe cases. The disease can also affect shoots, fruit, and blossoms. To combat peach leaf curl, treat the entire tree with a copper fungicide mixed with 1% horticultural oil every few weeks.
Additionally, remove as many infected leaves from the ground as possible and dispose of them by burning or bagging for proper disposal. Composting is not an option due to potential contamination. It’s worth noting that ‘Kreibich’ is a resistant cultivar.
Brown Rot
Brown rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Monolinia fructicola, can devastate trees when it takes hold. The disease’s telltale signs include fruit that turns brown and soft, eventually becoming rotten and useless. To combat this issue, apply a copper-based fungicide in the fall, followed by a repeat application in the spring. In regions where brown rot is a persistent problem, consider adding an additional spray a few weeks prior to harvest.
As always, be sure to follow the product instructions and take note of any recommended withholding period.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a prevalent fungal disease that affects numerous plant species, including nectarines. Specifically, it’s caused by the fungi Sphaerotheca pannosa and Podosphaera leucotricha. For a comprehensive understanding of this condition, refer to our extensive guide on powdery mildew, which provides detailed insights and practical advice.
Scab
Scab, a fungal disease caused by Cladosporium carpophilum, can arise when the environment is conducive to its growth. Specifically, a warm spring with high humidity creates an ideal setting for scab development. In fact, lesions typically begin to appear on fruit when relative humidity reaches around 70%.
These early signs of scab are characterized by green or grey discoloration and the subsequent production of spores that can persist throughout the winter months, only to reappear in future seasons. As a proactive measure against scab, consider applying an organic fungicide at intervals corresponding with the tree’s blooming period – specifically, three weeks post-bloom and again five weeks later.
Harvesting and Using Nectarines
For optimal nectarine harvesting, aim to do it in the morning during cool weather conditions. This is when the fruit will typically be at its ripest, with a gentle give when pulled and a yellow background color. If possible, allow the nectarines to ripen on the tree until they yield slightly to pressure – this will often result in the sweetest flavor. Alternatively, you can harvest them a bit earlier and encourage further ripening by storing them in paper bags.
However, it’s worth noting that the ideal taste is achieved when allowed to fully ripen on the tree. On the other hand, if the nectarines still have a green background color or are hard to the touch, they’re not yet ready for harvest. Once picked, store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness for up to three weeks. However, it’s recommended to enjoy them as soon as possible, as this will ensure you experience the full flavor and texture of these delicious fruits.
