Nectarine (Large) Growing Guide

Prunus persica var. nucipersica

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Moisture-retentive but well-drained. Avoid planting in heavy soils.

Position

Sheltered south or south-west facing wall or fence, or under glass in cooler climates. Elsewhere nectarines need full sun to limit disease and produce high quality fruit.

Frost tolerant

Yes, but it is important to choose varieties known to grow well in your area to reduce risk of losing blooms to spring freezes.

Feeding

Top-dress generously with well-rotted organic matter in spring , along with a balanced organic fertiliser. Keep the area under nectarines mulched with wood chips or sawdust.

Spacing

Single Plants: 6.00m (19' 8") each way (minimum)
Rows: 6.00m (19' 8") with 6.00m (19' 8") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Prepare a large hole by breaking up the soil and adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter. A wide hole is better than a very deep one. Mulch after planting, and encircle the trunk with a wire cage or protective pipe to protect the young tree from animal and insect pests. Young nectarine trees are at high risk for damage from insects that bore into the main trunk.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Nectarines are self-fertile, but produce better when more than one tree is grown. Prune nectarines hard in winter. Healthy nectarine trees will bear for twenty years or more.

Harvesting

Pick when the colour has fully developed and the flesh feels soft near the stalk. The fruit should pull away easily from the tree.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Nectarine (Large)

Aphids (General)

Earwig

Slug

Snail