Description
The Crimson Giant nectarine is a cross between ‘Panamint’ and ‘Moreira’. The fruit of the Crimson Giant nectarine are large rounded with bright red skin. The flesh is yellow with a medium fine, firm and melting texture as the taste has a slight tartness.
Nectarine trees, known as one of the stone fruit varieties, require cold winters.
Position
Full sunlight helps to prevent the tree from contracting diseases. The sunshine also helps with producing sweet, delicious fruits. Nectarine trees, known as one of the stone fruit varieties, require cold winters.
Give it about 6 metres’ space to allow it to grow without being hindered.
Use companion plants like legumes because these attract the right pollinators and help to keep the soil fertile.
Size
This tree reaches a mature height of between 2 and 5 metres and its canopy has a width of 2.5 to 3.5 metres.
Soil Type
Soils that are well-draining but still manage to retain some moisture are best for nectarine trees. The only soils that do not work well are dense or heavy. A slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is best for fruit trees.
Mulch
Cover the ground around your tree (but not right up against the truck) with wood chips or sawdust to prevent too much moisture from evaporating and to keep the soil moist. You may also want to protect young trees with a wire cage with very small holes, which will keep little animals away. Insects that bore into the trunk are the biggest threat to this plant.
Watering
Water your nectarine tree once every 10 to 14 days to soak the ground around it. Be careful not to overwater it, though. Even if the grass around it is brown and dry, the nectarine tree can thrive on this amount of watering.
Fertilising
Well-rotted organic material and a balanced fertiliser should be applied liberally around your tree in the spring. Use our slow-release nitrogen-rich Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Although most fruit trees are pruned in the dormant winter months, nectarine trees should be pruned late in early spring to allow buds and flowers to survive.
Harvesting
Pluck your scrumptious, sweet fruit when the skin is the right orange-red colour and the flesh is soft close to the stalk.
Pest and Disease Management
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 peaches.
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 pest and disease control. If you already have pests, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
