Position
Plant in full sun. To produce fruit, it is essential to have enough sunlight for growth. Nectarine trees, known as one of the stone fruit varieties, require cold winters.
Size
Fire Pearl white nectarine trees can grow up to 6 metres tall.
Soil Type
Well-drained soil is essential so the tree’s roots never get waterlogged.
Mulch
Apply organic mulch to your nectarine tree all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Watering
Regular watering is necessary to ensure the roots never dry out.
Fertilising
We recommend an organic fertiliser every few months to ensure the tree’s health and improve the fruit yield. One teaspoon of our slow release Berry Fertiliser can be applied evey 4-5 months.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain tree shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning helps to open for airflow.
Thinning
Thinning fruit on nectarine trees is essential for producing healthy, high-quality fruit. When trees bear too much fruit, they can become stressed, leading to smaller, weaker fruits that are more prone to disease.
Thin the fruit in late spring to early summer, when the fruit is marble-sized. Avoid thinning too early to prevent unnecessary fruit drop.
Focus on removing smaller or poorly positioned fruits, especially those clustered together, leaving about 10 to 15 cm between each nectarine. Also, remove any fruit showing signs of pests or disease to prevent spreading issues.
Pests
Nectarines can be susceptible to diseases such as peach leaf curl and brown rot. Use organic products to control as needed and practice good garden hygiene by removing fallen fruit from the soil beneath the tree.
Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control ) will assist in either prevention or after the fact. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control. Nectarine trees need regular spraying before the onset of fruit and immediately after buds turn to small fruit. Continue organic spraying regularly for good-quality fruit.
Harvesting
White nectarines are typically ready for harvest in the summer. The fruit should be slightly soft and have a sweet aroma. Be gentle when picking to avoid bruising.
