How to Grow a Nectarine Plant

Nectarine (Prunus persica nucipersica) is actually a variety of the peach (Prunus persica) tree. The major difference between a nectarine and a peach is the skin on the fruits. The skin is fuzzy on peaches and smooth on nectarines. Nectarines grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 to 8. Since nectarine trees are self-pollinated, only one tree is needed to set fruit, which will occur three to four years after planting.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Pruners
• Mulch
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Clear a planting site that has full sun and well-drained soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. Pick a site large enough for the mature nectarine tree size, which could reach 20 feet in both height and width.

2. Dig a hole for the nectarine plant that is equal to the depth of the container and two to five times as wide.

3. Remove the nectarine plant from the container and place the plant in the center of the hole. Check to ensure the nectarine sits slightly above ground level to allow for settling.

4. Backfill the hole and firm the soil around the roots of the nectarine. Soak the area with water to settle the tree and remove any air from the soil.

5. Cover the area around the base of the nectarine tree with a layer of mulch. Do not put any mulch against the trunk and extend the mulch out yearly to cover the area beneath the tree's canopy.

6. Cut the nectarine tree's height down to 26 to 30 inches right after planting. Remove any side branches on the tree. This is the first step in training the nectarine to have an open center, which permits sun and air to reach all parts of the tree.

7. Water the nectarine tree twice a week for a month and then weekly after that. Continue to supply 1 inch of water weekly until winter, if rainfall does not supply that amount.

8. Apply 1/2 lb. of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, one week after planting the nectarine. Follow the directions on the label and reapply the fertilizer in 40 days. Do not put any fertilizer within 8 inches of the trunk.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove any frail, damaged or low-hanging branches from the nectarine tree at any time after planting.

• Get rid of any upright shoots growing on the inside of the nectarine tree in the second and third season in late winter.

• Trim the tree annually as needed to maintain the open center form.

References

• Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: Growing Peaches and Nectarines in the Home Landscape
• Backyard Gardener: Prunus Persica Nucipersica
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Pruning Peaches and Nectarines

Resources

• University of Rhode Island: Peaches and Nectarines
• University of California: Pruning Fruit Trees
• Purdue University: Nectarine