Lyla Lindsey
Nectarines are stone fruits that can be grown in Australia. They are fast-growing trees that can fruit in as little as three to four years after planting. They are ideal for smaller gardens as they are generally self-fertile and don't require another tree for cross-pollination. They grow best in sunny positions with well-drained soil and plenty of organic matter. The best time to plant a nectarine tree is in winter, and they can be grown from seed or bought as young trees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growing time | 3-4 years after planting |
| Height | Small to medium tree: 4m tall and wide; grafted dwarf forms: 1.5m x 1.5m |
| Climate | Temperate regions with exposure to cold temperatures for a certain amount of time |
| Soil | Well-drained, enriched with organic matter |
| Position | Full sun, with protection from strong winds |
| Flowering and fruiting | Masses of rosy pink flowers appear from early spring; Fruits are small and round with smooth skin. The skin is red with yellow-orange highlights and the flesh is white, yellow or pink |
| Feeding | Feed with a complete fertiliser balanced for fruiting trees in spring |
| Watering | Water regularly until well established |
| Harvest time | November |
| Pruning | Prune previous season’s growth |
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What You'll Learn
Nectarine tree care
Nectarines are fast-growing fruit trees that can be grown in gardens or pots. They are hardy and do not require much attention once established. Here is a detailed guide on how to care for your nectarine tree:
Planting
Nectarine trees are best planted in winter, when they are available as bare-rooted stock. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and protection from strong winds. Before planting, soak the roots in a bucket of diluted seaweed solution. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Create a small mound of soil in the centre of the hole, spread the roots of the tree evenly over the mound, and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant to create a well for water. Water the plant well and keep the soil moist as it establishes. Applying an organic mulch around the root zone will help retain moisture.
Feeding and Fertilising
Feed your nectarine tree with a complete fertiliser balanced for fruiting trees in spring. Young trees need half as much fertiliser as older, mature trees. In late spring, thin out excess fruit and apply nitrogen fertiliser. Urea, rotted manure, or chemical fertiliser can be used. Water well after fertilising.
Harvesting
Nectarines will fruit in three to four years after planting. They are ready to harvest when they have a vibrant red-orange-yellow colour and are slightly soft when gently pressed. They should also have a fragrant aroma. Hold the fruit in one hand and gently twist to detach.
Pruning
Nectarine trees can be subject to fungal diseases and brown rot. To prevent this, spray the trees with a copper-based fungicide in late winter before the buds open. Limbs should be thinned during winter dormancy to control breakage and encourage more fruit production.
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Growing nectarines from seed
While it is possible to grow nectarines from seed, it is worth noting that the resultant tree may not bear fruit that resembles the tree from which the seed was taken. This is because the parent tree was likely a hybrid, produced by budding or grafting, and not grown from a seed.
If you want to try growing a nectarine tree from seed, the first step is to acquire some seeds. It is recommended to use fruit straight from a nectarine tree, as these should be free of any genetic modifications or pesticides. Remove the nectarine pit from the fruit and place it in a bowl of water to soak off any remaining pulp. If the pit floats, it is not viable. If the pit is viable, remove it from the water, and air-dry the seeds on a countertop for one or two days.
Once the seeds are dry, you can remove them from the pit by cracking it open with a hammer or nutcracker. Soak the seeds in a bowl of water overnight. To break the seeds' dormancy, they need to be cold-treated. Place the seeds in a lidded container filled with moist potting soil and put them in the fridge for several weeks. Keep the soil slightly moist and check for signs of germination. After about a month, the seeds should begin to germinate.
Once the seeds have germinated, plant each one in a small pot with good-quality potting soil. Plant the seed about 0.5-1 inch deep and keep the soil moist but not wet. Place the container in a warm and sunny location, such as a windowsill or greenhouse. Once the seedling reaches 10-15 cm tall, transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the garden. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Nectarine trees typically fruit within three to four years after planting. They are hardy and don't require too much attention once established. However, they are susceptible to fungal diseases and brown rot, so care should be taken to protect the trees from these issues.
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Climate and soil requirements
Nectarines are typically grown in temperate regions, as the trees need to be exposed to cold temperatures for a certain amount of time to develop fruit. This period is known as the "chill hours", and nectarines usually require between 300 to 1000 hours of cold temperatures during winter to break dormancy and promote healthy fruit development. However, it is possible to grow nectarines in warmer climates by choosing low-chill nectarine varieties, which can even be grown in subtropical areas.
When planting a nectarine tree, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Protect the tree from strong winds, and ensure the soil is enriched with plenty of organic matter. You can add mulch, such as pine bark or sugarcane, around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture and direct water to the root zone.
Nectarine trees require regular watering, especially until they are well established. However, reduce watering during autumn and winter. Fertilise the trees in spring, and consider feeding them with a complete fertiliser balanced for fruiting trees. You can also apply an organic-based fertiliser suitable for fruiting trees in spring and autumn when the tree is young. Once the tree starts producing fruit, fertilise it in winter, spring, and summer. Always water well after fertilising.
Nectarines can be grown from seed, but it is unlikely to produce fruit. For a fruiting tree, it is recommended to buy a known cultivar.
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Harvesting and ripening
Nectarines are typically ready for harvest in November. However, different cultivars have different maturing times. For example, the 'Anzac' Peach matures early, typically in November, whereas the 'White Gold' Peach is harvested later in mid-January.
Nectarines are best harvested when ripe. You can tell a nectarine is ripe when its colour changes to vibrant red-orange-yellow tones and when the fruit is firm but with a slight give. The fruit should also have a fragrant aroma. To harvest, hold the fruit in one hand and gently twist to detach. The fruit should slip easily from the tree. If it doesn't, it's not yet ripe.
Nectarines can be picked when they are close to being ripe and then ripened indoors in a brown paper bag or on the counter. However, unlike apples and pears, their sugar content does not improve once they are picked, so it is best to pick them when they are perfectly ripe for optimal flavour.
In the early stages of cropping, remove excess fruit by gently twisting to rub them off so that the remaining fruit will grow to a good size. Nectarine trees can be subject to fungal diseases and brown rot, so protect them from peach leaf curl by spraying the trees in late winter with a copper-based fungicide.
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Dwarf nectarine trees
When growing dwarf nectarine trees, it is important to select the right variety for your climate. For example, the Dwarf Flavortop Nectarine is not recommended for coastal Queensland or northern New South Wales as the winters are not cold enough for the tree to produce fruit. On the other hand, the Super Dwarf Sunset Nectarine, with its dark red leaves, thrives in subtropical climates and can be found in Southern Queensland, Rockhampton, and coastal New South Wales. The Trixzie Nectarine, a new dwarf selection of the Fantasia nectarine, is suited to temperate climates and bears delicious yellow-fleshed fruit.
To plant a dwarf nectarine tree, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and protection from strong winds. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth. Create a small mound of soil in the centre of the hole and spread the roots of the young tree evenly over the mound. Apply an organic mulch, such as sugarcane or bark chips, around the root zone to help retain moisture. Watering is crucial, especially during the establishment phase. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, and always water well after fertilising.
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Frequently asked questions
Nectarine trees typically fruit within three to four years after planting.
The best time to plant your nectarine tree is in winter, when trees are available as bare-rooted stock in stores.
Nectarine trees grow best in sunny spots with well-drained soil that is full of organic matter. They need temperatures above 15°C to germinate successfully.
