How to Grow Nectarines

A nectarine is a peach (Prunus persica) which has a recessive gene making it smooth and fuzzless. The peach is native to China and nectarines were first cultivated there more than 2,000 years ago. The commercial cultivation of nectarines in California developed when they were crossbred to produce hardier fruit that could be shipped.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Select a site with full sunlight for nectarines. They should not even receive partial shade from taller trees. The ground should be elevated, if possible, to keep cold air away from the tree.

2. Use well-drained sandy loam as the best choice of soil. Nectarines cannot tolerate soil that does not drain within an hour after a heavy rain.

3. Prepare the soil for one to two years before planting nectarines. Spade a bed at least 5 feet in diameter and 10 inches deep. Add organic matter such as compost, manure, grass and leaves. Adjust the soil to a 6.5 pH by adding lime if it is too acidic. Test the soil pH at a depth of 6 inches every 2 years.

4. Plant the tree in the center of the prepared area. The bud union should be 1 inch above the soil. Be careful not to plant too deep as this can easily kill the tree.

5. Prune the tree back to about 28 inches immediately after planting. All side branches should also be cut off to leave a whip. The sounds drastic but it will grow a tree with a strong trunk and well positioned side branches.

Resources

• Learn more about growing nectarines.