How to grow Nectarine in Australia
Plant in full sun in deep, well-drained soil sheltered from frost at flowering time. Water deeply and regularly, especially while fruit is swelling, and thin a heavy fruit set so the rest size up well.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 15 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 400 cm
- Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
- Time to germinate: 1 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | June to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | June to August | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | June to August | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | June to August | |
| Adelaide & SA | June to August | |
| Perth & WA | June to August | |
| Tasmania | June to August | Plant bare-root Jun to Aug. Same drill as peach - late-flowering varieties and winter leaf curl spray. |
| Canberra & ACT | June to August | |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Even low chill nectarines need more cold than the NQ coast provides. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Stone fruit need winter chill. Darwin has none. |
Varieties
- Goldmine
- Arctic Star
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick when the background colour shifts from green and the flesh gives slightly near the stem with a sweet smell. Cup and twist gently from the branch.
Storage
Bench until ripe, then fridge for 3 to 5 days. Freeze sliced for months.