Nectarine Tree
Choosing a Nectarine Tree for Your Landscape
Planning an edible landscape theme would not be complete without adding a nectarine tree. Juicy and sweet like a peach, with a smooth soft skin, nectarines are high on flavor and packed with vitamin C; a delicious choice for backyard fruit.
Even those with limited yard space can enjoy a nectarine tree, with dwarf tree cultivars available along with full sized trees. Different varieties of the trees offer early harvest, mid-summer harvest and late harvest of their sweet fruits. Only one tree is needed, as they are self-pollinating, but when planted in multiples of any variety, the yield of fruit will be much greater per tree as they cross-pollinate. The nectarine tree can be expected to begin producing fruit within 3 to 5 years.
Early harvest varieties, like the Independence nectarine tree, have another advantage of being extremely cold hardy. Springtime will find this lovely tree decorated in lacy pink blossoms; a colorful addition to an early season garden area. It is categorized as a freestone; a term that refers to the easy manner of pit removal from the fruit. Freestone varieties are generally considered best for eating fresh and for freezing.
Mid-season harvest for the nectarine is around July. Two main choices for a mid-season producing nectarine tree are the Harko and the Mericrest varieties. These also feature the pretty pink flowers in the springtime that it characteristic of the nectarines. The Harko is a clingstone variety, meaning that the pit clings to the flesh of the fruit. Clingstones are great for use in canning; a wonderful way to preserve nectarines for enjoyment all year long. Mericrest is a freestone, and adds an extra bonus in that it will begin to produce after only 2 or 3 years as opposed to Harko’s 3 to 5 year maturity.
August is the month for late harvest nectarines such as the Fantasia. A freestone variety, this nectarine tree variety produces large fruit that are popular for eating out of hand. Another benefit is that it is a semi-dwarf cultivar; reaching only about 12 feet tall. In the right conditions, this tree may provide both an early harvest and late harvest.
Regardless of which variety of nectarine tree is chosen, they need to be grown in full sun to have great fruit yields. Planting several types of nectarines can bring bountiful harvests throughout the bearing seasons. The fruit trees do well in just about any type of soil as long as good drainage is available.
Adding any type of fruit tree will bring huge benefits to your landscape. The nectarine tree, in particular, is a great choice due to their self-pollinating nature and good fruit yields. Choose the one variety that is your favorite, or eliminate guesswork by planting a number of different varieties. Either way, you will be rewarded with fresh, sweet fruit; a necessity to a nutritious diet.