Holly's Homestead — Stone Fruit Tree
Nectarine
Prunus persica var. nucipersica · Rose family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Deciduous perennial tree
MATURITY 2–3 years to first fruit
TYPE Deciduous perennial tree
MATURITY 2–3 years to first fruit
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular, deep
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Spacing
4–5m
Depth
graft union above soil
01Chill hours matter
Essentially a smooth-skinned peach with the same chill hour requirements — check the variety's winter chill needs against your local climate before planting.
02Planting
Method
Plant bare-rooted while dormant.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile.
Timing
Plant in winter while dormant.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Prune annually in winter — fruits on last year's wood.
- Thin developing fruit for good size.
- Water deeply through fruit development.
- Feed in early spring as buds swell.
04Problems
- Peach leaf curl — spray with copper in late winter before buds swell.
- Fruit fly — net or bag ripening fruit.
- Brown rot — improve airflow, remove affected fruit promptly.
- Poor fruit set — insufficient chill hours for the variety.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Full colour, gives slightly to gentle pressure, fragrant.
Method
Cup the fruit and twist gently.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Room temperature to ripen further, then fridge up to a week.
Preserving
See Canning & Bottling (bottling a fruit glut) or Dehydrating (dried fruit) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
BasilGarlicAvoid nearby
Tomato (shared disease risk)Rotation note
Avoid replanting stone fruit in old stone fruit ground.
