Nectarine Trees

You can choose either white fleshed or yellow fleshed varieties, and either type of nectarine picked ripe from the tree will be wonderful for eating.

Nectarines are an excellent fruit tree to grow in the home garden and with new dwarf cultivars available it is possible to grow Nectarine trees in containers or in a small yard. If you can grow a Peach tree you can grow a Nectarine tree.

Frost during Bud Set can be a problem so try to avoid frost prone positions. Nectarines come as both clingstone and freestone varieties.

The Dwarf Nectarine Tree 'Garden Delight' is an excellent choice for the home garden, reaching around 6ft (2m) it needs little pruning and grows well in a container. Try a sunny position for best results.

Care

The main factor with growing Nectarine trees is sun and excellent soil.

If you can choose a position that is in full sun and on a hilltop, you probably have ideal conditions. The elevated position means that cold air will move away quickly in the mornings.

However if you do not have a hill, just choose a sunny position with good air flow.

Good drainage is essential.
Dig in well rotted compost and aged manure a few months before planting.
Apply a complete fertilizer every spring one application early the other in late spring.
Water well through summer, a drip irrigation system is excellent.
Thin over abundant fruit for better quality.
Nearly all Nectarine trees do not require pollinators, this is what makes them so good for the home garden.
Problems such as leaf curl may require spraying, however look for organic solutions.
Generally a healthy tree in good soil with good air flow will have few problems.

Looking at Fruit Trees in more detail

Nectarine Tree Varieties

Fantasia
Red Gold
Independence
Summer Beaut
Mericrest
LeGrand

Nectarine trees are for sale online from the following growers

STARK Bro's NURSERIES& ORCHARDS Co.
PO Box 1800 Louisiana MO 63353 - phone: 1-800-325-4180
Originators of Red and Golden Delicious apples. Full line of fruit, Apricots, Berries, Cherries, Nectarines, Pears, Grapes, Nuts, shade and flowering trees, shrubs roses and small fruits.
www.starkbros.com