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Nectarines are similar to peaches in how they taste and how they are grown. The only easily observable difference is that nectarines have smooth skin, whereas peaches have a light fuzz. Follow the steps below to learn how to grow nectarines.
Steps
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Make a soil bed for your nectarine tree. You'll need to prepare the soil a year or two before planting.
- Choose an area where the tree can get full sunlight. Avoid shade from structures or trees.
- Nectarines will not do well in soil that retains water at its surface for more than an hour after the rain.
- The bed should be be 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 2 m) in diameter and 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) deep.
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Add organic matter to the soil, including manure, grass clippings, compost and leaves.Advertisement
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Take the soil to a soil-testing laboratory. Soils should be taken from 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep and sampled every 2 or 3 years. Add lime and fertilizer as recommended to optimize the soil. The pH level shouldn't go below 6.5.
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Dig a pit in the center of your prepared bed of soil. Make the hole about a foot (30 cm) wider in diameter than the root ball.
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Tease out the roots from the root ball of your nectarine tree. Trim off broken and damaged roots.
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Plant the tree in the pit. Add bonemeal as you replace the topsoil. Pack the soil with your feet once it is all in place.
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Water the plant with 2 to 5 gallons (7.5 to 19 L).
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Prune the tree immediately after planting it. It should be 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm) tall with no side branches. Use pruning shears to shape the tree into a "whip," meaning that the lateral branches are removed.
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Remove diseased, broken and low-hanging limbs during the first year of growth.
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Remove stronger upright shoots that stick out of the scaffolds, but let smaller shoots grow. These will grow the fruit.
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Thin the fruit when the largest nectarines are about an inch (2.5 cm) wide. Pluck some of the nectarines so that you are left with about 8 inches (20 cm) between fruits. Remaining fruit will now grow larger, and the tree won't deplete.
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Monitor your tree on a regular basis. Identify any pests and apply insecticide or fungicide spray as needed.
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Remove old and rotted fruit from the branches and from the ground around the base of the tree.
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Fence the area if larger animals are eating the tree's shoots, leaves or fruit.
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Prune nectarine trees annually.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow much time do I need to grow nectarines?Community AnswerSince it is a fruit tree, it will take a number of years before it bears fruit.
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QuestionIf I grew a peach and nectarine tree, would one tree have some peaches and nectarines (if they cross pollinated)?DancingFoxCommunity AnswerThey could cross-pollinate and produce peacharines. They mostly have the same taste anyway, so don't worry.
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Warnings
- Do not plant the tree too deep. The bud union should be 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the soil.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Soil
- Organic fertilizer
- Spade
- Pruning shears
References
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,871 times.
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