(Credit: Pixabay)

A horticultural urban legend that has persisted over the years is that a nectarine is a cross between a peach and a plum. Such is not the case. Actually, a nectarine simply is a fuzzless peach. Nectarine trees are identical to peach trees in leaf, bud, and branch characteristics. The chilling that is required by peach trees during the winter also is required by nectarines.

The question arises, if the two are the same why not just grow peaches which (arguably) are a bit more disease resistant and winter hardy?  The answer lies in their flavor. Nectarines (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) normally are firmer, a bit more aromatic, and possess a more tangy-sweet flavor, while peaches (Prunus persica) are typically softer and sweeter. The lack of fine, short hair (botanically known as trichomes) on the fruit is the primary morphological difference between the two.

Other than their smooth skin, nectarines are similar to peaches in every way. (Credit: Pixabay)

Nectarines lack fuzz because of the action of a recessive gene (f). This means that nectarines carry two recessive genes (ff) for the trait while peaches carry at least one dominate gene (F_) for fuzzy fruit. If the flower of a nectarine is pollinated by pollen from a peach tree, the resulting tree after a seed from the cross is planted will be a peach, unless the peach tree was carrying the recessive (fuzzless) gene in the heterozygous state (Ff). In the latter case there will be a 50 percent chance that the tree will be a peach and a 50 percent chance that it will be a nectarine.

Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, nectarines are a natural mutation of the peach, resulting in their characteristic smooth skin. They spread through Persia to Greece and Rome before reaching England in the 16th century. Spanish settlers introduced them to America, where they now thrive, particularly in areas with mild winter temperatures. Their name comes from the word néktar, which was the fabled, life-giving "drink of the gods" in Greek mythology.

Nectarine is referred to as a “stone fruit” because of the large pit it contains. (Credit: Pixabay)

Nectarines may be grown nearly everywhere where peaches are grown. The reason that nectarines are not normally grown along with peaches is the lack of hair on nectarines make them more susceptible to disease infestation and insect attack. Peach fuzz acts as a natural protective barrier against pests. Additionally, nectarine trees are not quite as cold-hardy as peach trees.

Most nectarines are commercially grown under irrigation in drier climates where rainfall and humidity are low. These environmental conditions tend to lessen the severity of brown rot which is a troublesome disease of nectarines. However, with careful disease control, nectarines may be grown in the home garden throughout Missouri.

Nectarines, like peaches, grow best in deep, well-drained soil. Heavy, poorly drained soil reduces production and longevity of the trees. Irrigation is important during dry periods. Nectarines should receive from 4 to 6 inches of water per month during the summer, or about 1 to 1½ inches per week. They also are subject to winter damage, beginning when temperatures drop to about 10 degrees below zero. Therefore, avoid planting trees in low areas when cold air settles.

Several reliable nectarine cultivars recommended for Missouri conditions include 'Fantasia', Flavortop', 'Redgold', and 'Sunglo'. All are winter hardy through zone 5 and self-fruitful.

Young nectarine trees should be pruned and shaped similarly to those of peaches. Young trees normally need little pruning except to take out the tip to stimulate the development of lateral branches.

Like peach trees, nectarine trees should be pruned to create an open center. (Credit: Mississippi State University)

From the young tree trunk, three or four vigorous shoots should be selected to form the scaffold structure. Try to select limbs that grow outward from the trunk rather than very upright with a narrow branch angle. These three or four scaffold branches should be well spaced around the diameter of the trunk.

As the tree grows, the center should be kept open for best fruit production and color development. Annual pruning to thin out the previous season's growth and prevent an excessively heavy fruit load is necessary. These same considerations are necessary when growing peaches.

All plants need essential elements to thrive and nectarines are no exception. About ½ pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer (or its equivalent) should be applied seven to 10 days after planting and again 30 days later. Broadcast the fertilizer evenly, 8 to 12 inches away from the trunk. In the second and third years after planting, the tree should receive ¾ pound of 10-10-10 in March and again in May. Mature peach trees (4 to 10 years of age) should receive 1 to 2 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer each in March and May.

Thinning excessive fruit that have set will help to enlarge remaining nectarines. (Credit: Pixabay)

In years without frost and freeze damage to blossoms, more nectarines will set than the tree can support and fruit must be thinned. Approximately three to four weeks after bloom, or when the largest fruit are the diameter of a quarter, remove excess fruit by hand so that the remaining nectarines are spaced about every 8 inches. Fruit thinning will allow the remaining fruit to develop larger size, better shape and brighter color.

As mentioned earlier, brown rot caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola is the most devastating disease pest of nectarines and often causes severe crop losses, especially in warm, humid weather. Symptoms include masses of ash-gray powdery spores on the surface of infected fruit. Old, rotted fruit (often called "mummies") may hang on the tree until the following year of drop to the ground where they serve as a source of inoculum for the disease.

Effective control requires an integrated approach combining cultural sanitation, insect management, and well-timed fungicide applications. The importance of sanitation in brown rot control cannot be overemphasized. Any slightly diseased fruit should be removed promptly and destroyed. Preventive fungicides to control brown rot are available. Consult your local Extension office for fungicide recommendations.

For more information about nectarine production, please refer to University of Missouri Extension guide g6030 titled "Home Fruit Production: Peach and Nectarine Culture" (https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6030).