Nectarines, the smooth-skinned cousins of peaches, were likely domesticated some 4000 years ago in China after a random genetic mutation occurred. For people who don’t like the tongue tickle of downy peach skin, this smooth mutation is a summertime winner.
Just like peaches, nectarines come in yellow-or white-fleshed varieties and are self-fertile. Nectarines and peaches can sometimes even appear on the same tree. The trees prefer cool and temperate climates, where the cold winters help set the fruit.
Subtropical gardeners, don’t despair, however — look out for low-chill varieties like ‘Sunset’, ‘Sundowner’ or ‘Sunraycer’.
If you’re short on space, go for a shorter-growing tree, which you’ll find labelled “dwarf” or “super dwarf” at your local garden centre or nursery.
“Dwarf” means the fruiting plant, which could be a heritage or heirloom variety, has been…
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Good Organic Gardening (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue #13.5 - 2022