Patio Nectarine - Prunus persica nucipersicaPrunus persica var. nucipersica

Plant nectarine trees in rich fertile, well drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. A south facing position is preferable to provide protection from damaging frosts. If planting into containers, the diameter of the container should be at least 50cm (20in) - use John Innes no.3 compost. Prior to planting in the open ground, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. If the tree is to be bush trained then drive a stake into the ground prior to planting. Staking after planting may result in damage to the root ball. For wall trained nectarines attach support wires to the wall prior to planting. Plant fruit trees at their original soil level and firm them into the ground. Fasten the tree to the stake or support wires, and water well.

Fruit trees do not suffer weed competition well. Keep weeds and grass clear from within a 30cm radius of base of the tree. In spring, while the ground is moist, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or garden compost around the base of the tree, taking care not to mound it up against the stem. This will help to retain moisture throughout the summer. Feed and water nectarine trees regularly during particularly dry periods.

Nectarine may be fan trained against a wall or grown as a bush. When pruning nectarine trees it is important to avoid winter pruning as this leaves them prone to silver leaf disease. To bush train: In the first spring after planting, select 3 or 4 well spaced branches on a clear trunk of at least 75cm (29"), and shorten them by two thirds. Remove the central stem to just above the highest of the selected branches. Remove any laterals below the selected branches.

In the following spring, select 3 or 4 sub laterals on each branch and shorten these by half to create a balanced, open framework. In future years nectarines will require only occasional pruning to remove damaged, badly placed or diseased wood. This should be carried out during April. When fruits are walnut sized they should be thinned to one fruit per cluster, at a spacing of 15cm (6") apart.

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