How to Grow Nectarines: A Complete Guide

Are you looking for tips on how to grow nectarines? Used in desserts, fruit salads or eaten on their own, they are versatile and delicious! Nectarines are self-pollinating and bear fruit from the very first year, better yet, from beautiful looking trees. They are sweet-tasting and contain a pit or stone in the middle. 

Sweet and juicy nectarines can be successful in the UK, in the right growing conditions. 

Read our guide on how to grow nectarines from seed and give it a go!

Choosing the Right Variety

If you want to learn how to grow nectarines from seed then the first step is to choose the variant you want to grow. When growing nectarines, you can choose between crops of varying sweetness and size. The inside flesh of the fruit can also come in two colours, yellow or white. It can also be either free or clingstone. 

Nectarines are usually available as small plants at local gardening centres. They are usually available in bare-root (without soil) or root-wrapped (with soil but without pot) from the nursery. 

Growing nectarines from seed can take three to four years, so if you are new to allotment growing and you would like quick results, choose healthy, older plants. 

How to Plant Nectarines

Nectarine trees like a sunny and sheltered spot; ideally south-facing. They can be grown in the soil, or in containers or in an unheated greenhouse as they do need a period of dormancy.

You can train and prune nectarine trees to grow against a wall or structure too.

Nectarine trees are similar to peaches in both appearance and taste, although nectarines can be a bit more difficult to cultivate as they require warmer conditions and sometimes produce a lower yield.

Nectarine trees that are dormant bare roots can be planted in autumn to early spring. Container grown nectarines can be planted at any time, but it is best to avoid planting during summer as it will require a tremendous amount of watering. 

Plant the nectarine tree in well-drained soil and add mulch to retain moisture and suppress the weeds. Water regularly until the tree is established, and for container grown trees, water more frequently. However, do not let Nectarine trees become water-logged, as it will cause root rot.

Nectarine trees require protection from frost when it is blossoming to ensure they produce fruit. Ripening fruits will also need protection from birds and squirrels.

Fan-trained Nectarines

Stone fruits like nectarines and peaches are often fan-trained. They look more attractive and often can bear more fruits than standalone plants. It is usually done to young nectarine plants during early or mid-spring. 

For fan training choose a semi-dwarf variety (in nectarines the St. Julien A shows the best result). Next, you can either fan train against a wall or fence measuring 6.5 ft. It is best if the wall faces south or southwest. 

Now, you need to erect horizontal wires against the wall and then plant a maiden whip (a year-old tree with no branches) about 6-9 inches away from the wall. Keep a close eye on the plant and within a year, you will start to see results.

When to Pick Nectarines

Nectarines are ready to harvest in July - August when they have coloured and feel soft. They will gently pull off the stem.

Nectarines taste best fresh off the tree, but can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week to 10 days. You can also freeze your nectarines to keep them for longer! 

Nectarines can be enjoyed fresh and cooked in desserts.