Description
Sunlite nectarines are a delicious, sweet fruit that grows better in cold winters and hot summer climates. They ripen in December and are harvested when the skin is orange-red.
Position
Nectarine trees, known as one of the stone fruit varieties, require cold winters.
Full sunlight helps to prevent the tree from contracting diseases. The sunshine also helps with producing sweet, delicious fruits.
Give it about a six metres space to allow the tree to grow without being hindered.
Use companion plants like legumes because these attract suitable pollinators and help to keep the soil fertile.
Size
This tree reaches a mature height of between 2 and 5 metres with a canopy of four 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 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 small holes, to keep animals away.
Watering
Water the 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 the tree in the spring. Our slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser is recommended.
Pruning
Although most fruit trees get pruned in the dormant winter months. Nectarine trees should be pruned in early spring to allow buds and flowers to survive.
Harvesting
Pluck your delicious, sweet fruit when the skin is orange-red, 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.
