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How to Take Care of Nectarine Trees

With luscious green leaves and lovely pink blooms in the spring and delicious red fruit in the summer, nectarine trees (Prunus persica nucipersica) make a gorgeous addition to any garden. Happily, they are also easy to grow. But in order to get the best results, you must follow certain steps to properly take care of your nectarine tree. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Nectarine tree
  • Fertilizer
  • Water
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Instructions

  1. How to Take Care of Nectarine Trees

    • 1

      Make sure your tree gets plenty of sunshine. A nectarine tree can live in a variety of conditions, but fairs best with full-on sun. This means that your tree needs to get at least 6 hours a day of direct sunlight.

    • 2

      Water regularly. Soil should be moist, not soggy. Give your tree a little extra water right before harvesting. Be careful not to over-water. A layer of mulch over the soil will help keep it moist.

    • 3

      Use fertilizer. The recommended fertilizer is 10-10-10. Fertilizer should be spread around the outer edge of the tree and kept away from the trunk. This allows the roots better access to the fertilizer. Feed your nectarine tree regularly with fruit tree food during the spring and summer when the tree is in full bloom.

    • 4

      Prevent disease and pests. During the fall and winter months, use dormant oil-based sprays to kill insects and diseases. Studies show that spreading mulch can also protect your trees from weeds. Peach leaf curl, brown rot and scab, bacterial spot and powdery mildew are common diseases affecting nectarine trees. Protect your tree from gophers, aphids, caterpillars and fungus. (Your local garden center will have products to specifically deal with each of the above diseases.)

    • 5

      Clear away dead leaves, fruits, and branches. Regular pruning keeps your tree healthy. Get rid of anything dead, diseased, or damaged. Prune your tree only when the risk or frost or freezing has passed. Prune your tree so that it has an open center.

Tips & Warnings

  • Nectarine trees require more water and fertilizer than peach trees.

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Comments

  • Tiffany Jansen Nov 10, 2009
    I always have problems knowing what's too much water ad what's not enough. I'm always on one end or the other

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