Prunus Nectared - Nectarine Tree

This Nectarine tree or Prunus persica nucipersa 'Nectared 6' is a late, vigorous, self-fertile and highly productive variety. Trained here as a goblet, which will make annual pruning easier, it will form a beautiful small tree with long, pointed leaves of a beautiful bright green. Its spring flowering is also decorative, when pink flowers appear. They will give way to large, appetising red fruits in summer. These yellow-fleshed nectarines are sweet and can be consumed fresh or cooked in desserts, compotes, and jams. Like the Peach tree, this tree is susceptible to peach leaf curl disease and requires regular treatments starting from the end of winter. 'Nectared 6' has the great advantage of bearing fruit quickly, usually from the 2nd year of planting.

The Nectarine tree belongs to the large Rosaceae family, which includes most of our fruit trees (Apple trees, Pear trees, Cherry trees, Plum trees). The species name "persica" was given to the peach tree, which was thought to originate from Persia. In reality, all cultivated forms of peaches are native to northern China. The Nectarine tree, in Latin Prunus persica nucipersa, is derived from a natural mutation of the peach tree that occurred in the 16th century. It is a hardy deciduous small tree that can be grown in all our temperate regions, with a preference for milder southern climates: its spring flowering, quite early, can indeed be destroyed by late frosts. Similar to the peach, the nectarine has a smooth and shiny skin, its flesh is yellow or white, but its stone is free, while the peach stone adheres to the flesh.

The Prunus persica nucipersa 'Nectared' is an American variety launched in 1972 and has produced several generations, respectively the 4th, the 6th, and the 9th. 'Nectared 6' is a variety that forms a small tree about 4 to 5 m (13 to 16ft) tall, by 3 to 4 m (10 to 13ft) wide. Like other Nectarine trees, it bears long, narrow, pointed leaves at their ends. In April it produces fairly decorative pink flowering that attracts bees, which in turn ensure pollination. This variety is self-fertile, so it does not require the presence of another tree. The fruits form during the summer and reach a good size at ripeness, around the end of August. With an appetising red colour, their flesh is yellow and is sweet and particularly flavoursome. They are equally suitable for eating fresh or for preparing desserts or jams. Rich in vitamin C, nectarines pair very well with wine and certain meats, such as duck.

It is important to choose the right location for this tree, especially in cooler northern regions, where full sun sheltered from cold winds is essential. The Nectarine tree 'Nectared 6' is interesting for cold climates, provided it is planted in a sheltered position (corner of a dry stone wall or other) to protect its delicate flowering from late frosts. To diversify your taste pleasure, plant it alongside other fruit trees such as the Mirabelle of Nancy Plum tree, which will delight you with its round yellow fruits at the same time as the Nectarine tree. Also consider berries such as Raspberry bushes with their delicate and incomparable melting texture, as well as Redcurrant bushes for their slightly acidic touch.