How to Grow Nectarine

Growing guide

Overview

Nectarine is a fuzz-free peach that grows on a small, self-fertile tree, so you only need one to get fruit. Growers love the exceptionally sweet, juicy fruit and the tree’s attractive spring blooms. It needs full sun, moderate water, and annual pruning to thrive, and it is hardy in zones 5a–9b.

Soil & planting prep

Plant in loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Space standard trees 15–20 feet apart and dwarf types 8–10 feet apart. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the tree at the same depth it grew in the nursery, with the graft union 1–2 inches above the soil line.

When to plant

Plant bare-root nectarines in late winter or early spring, about 4–6 weeks before your last frost date, while the tree is still dormant. In colder zones (5a–6b), wait until the soil is workable but before bud break. Potted trees can be planted in early spring after the last frost, but avoid planting during active growth.

How to plant

1. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil and dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
2. Soak bare-root trees in water for 1–2 hours before planting; prune off any broken roots.
3. Set the tree in the hole so the graft union sits 1–2 inches above the soil line, then backfill with native soil.
4. Water thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it 3 inches away from the trunk.
5. Prune the newly planted tree back to 24–30 inches tall to encourage branching, and remove any side branches.

5 common mistakes to avoid

• Planting too early in cold zones: nectarines bloom early and a late frost can kill flowers and young fruit; wait until the soil is workable but before bud break, and be ready to protect blossoms with row cover if frost threatens.
• Over-fertilizing with nitrogen: too much nitrogen pushes leafy growth at the expense of fruit and makes the tree more susceptible to pests; fertilize lightly in early spring only if growth is weak.
• Pruning at the wrong time: pruning in winter can spread silver leaf disease and stimulate tender growth that frost kills; prune in early spring after the risk of severe cold has passed, but before bloom.
• Not thinning fruit: nectarines set heavy crops, and without thinning the tree produces small, poor-quality fruit and may break branches; thin to 6–8 inches apart when fruits are the size of a dime.
• Letting the tree dry out during fruit swell: inconsistent watering leads to small fruit and can cause fruit cracking; water deeply once a week during dry spells, especially from bloom through harvest.

Harvesting & storage

Nectarines are ready when the skin color changes from green to yellow or red and the fruit gives slightly when gently pressed. Harvest by twisting the fruit gently from the branch, taking care not to bruise it. Store at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Companion planting

Good companions include garlic, chives, and marigolds, which can help repel pests. Avoid planting near potatoes or tomatoes, as they share similar pests and diseases.

Growing in containers

Nectarines are not well-suited to containers and are best grown in the ground. If you must try, use a 20-gallon pot with a dwarf variety, but expect limited fruit and more maintenance.

Pro tips

Plant a bare-root tree in a sunny, well-drained spot. Prune annually for an open center. Thin fruit for size. Most grafted trees bear within 2-3 years.