The Red Gold Nectarine (Prunus persica nucipersica 'Red Gold') is a hardy nectarine tree recommended for zones 5-9. Reaching a mature height and width of 12-15 feet, it’s perfect for any small gardens and does not require an additional tree to pollinate. In the spring the shiny deep green leaves are accompanied by bursts of vibrant pink blooms. The nectarines have a smooth, firm skin that is gold-yellow with a red blush. Eat one right off the tree and enjoy the sweet, tangy and juicy texture or bake them up in your favorite pie or jam or can and freeze them for later. Your Red Gold Nectarine tree is ready for harvesting in mid-summer.

Location: Plant your nectarine tree in well-drained soil in a location where it will receive full sun (at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day). Heavy winds and early frosts can damage the blossoms, so be sure to protect your tree by planting on the sunniest side of a building or your home.

Planting Instructions: Select an area where your soil drains well and the tree will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.

1) Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Amend the soil around the hole with compost to ensure the tree has proper drainage.
2) Place your tree inside the hole making sure it is sitting straight and that the graft is 2 inches above the soil line.
3) Cover the roots with soil, watering occasionally as you go along to remove any air pockets that may have formed. Gently pat the soil down until the roots are completely covered.
4) Broadcast mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and keep competing growth back.

Watering: Keep the soil around the tree moist, but not saturated. Standing water around the roots can cause rot damage and kill your tree. Typically watering once a week by leaving a hose at the base of the tree for a couple of hours is sufficient. Once the soil around the tree has dried, water the tree again. During times of extreme heat, your tree may need additional water. Yellowing of the leaves is a sign of over watering while leaves that are dry and brown can be a sign of under watering.

Fertilization: After your tree has been in the ground for 6 weeks and the dangers of frost has passed, apply a well balanced balanced fertilizer formula such as 12-12-12 but be sure to follow the application instructions on the packaging. This should be done in the spring and summer.

Pruning: Your nectarine will need to be pruned the first two years in order to maintain an open center shape and encourage fruit production. Prune your tree in late winter or early spring using pruning shears and making your cuts at a 45-degree angle. Trim away any broken/dead branches and any that are criss-crossing by making your cut right below the dead wood. To achieve the open center shape, prune your tree so that the center section has only two or three main branches that will receive plenty of sunlight.

Pests: Check your tree regularly for insects and diseases. Caterpillars can form nests (egg sacs) on the tree which should be picked off immediately and spray your tree with a horticultural oil or an insecticide. Fungus can be treated by spraying a fungicide on the tree while it’s blooming.

Tips: Once your tree begins to fruit, thin your nectarines out to allow each 8 inches in space to grow and mature properly. Thinning out your fruit will help to increase your overall production. Nectarines on the top and outside of the tree will likely be ready to pick first.