One of the best fruits to grow in the home garden are Nectarine trees. Fresh nectarines are sweet and you can get both white fleshed and yellow fleshed varieties.
Most are not very large trees, getting to around 4m in height. They are good producers of fruit, and easy care.
A few dwarf and semi dwarf varieties are also available. These are grafted types using a rootstock that limits growth. These will reach from 2m -3 meters in height, some are well suited to growing in containers
You also have a choice between early ripening Nectarine trees, mid season, and late ripening. If you have the room, one of each will keep you in fruit for months.
How to Grow Nectarine Trees
Most Nectarine trees are self fertile, so you will most likely to only need one to get fruit. (Check before purchasing)
Usually Nectarine trees are sold are bare rooted trees in winter and this is the time to plant them.
- This is a tree that needs a cool winter to set fruit. In warmer climates look for ‘low chill’ types.
- Choose a position in full sun with a well drained soil.
- Improve the soil by digging in compost and aged cow manure before planting.
- Slightly raise the level of the soil to improve drainage if needed.
- Plant at the same depth as the make on the stem.
- Water in well and mulch around the tree.
- Prune back by 1/3 to create a better framework.
- Fertilise with a slow release organic fertiliser in spring.
Nectarine Trees are a worthwhile fruit tree for the home garden. The dwarf variety ‘Nectazee’ can even be grown in a large pot or container. Nectarines varieties may have either white flesh ( Arctic Star and Bright Pearl) or yellow flesh( Grand Sweet, Red Gold and Fairlane).
Look for, Fantasia, Flavourtop and Peacharine.
Dwarf varieties to look for by name include the following which are grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock.
- Dwarf Nectarine ‘Early Rivers’
- Dwarf Nectarine ‘Flavortop’
- Dwarf Nectarine ‘Goldmine’
- Dwarf Nectarine ‘Tuscany’
Nectarine Trees are available for sale online from the following growers and nurseries
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees.
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au
Lot 522 Pavans Access Grassy Head NSW 2441
Fruit trees specialising in Avocados, Custard apples, Persimmons, Jackfruit,Black Sapote and Pomegranates. Online sales and Wholesale.
www.treegrowers.com.au
Mail order fruit tree nursery with over 200 temperate climate fruit trees.
Heritage varieties and dwarf fruit trees. Apple Trees, Stone Fruit, Nut Trees and Berry Fruit.
www.yalcafruittrees.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au