Nectafest Nectarine Tree

Nectafest Nectarine Tree Overview

The Nectafest nectarine tree is a new yellow-fleshed nectarine variety which specialists released from the USDA-ARS program in Kearneysville, West Virginia. In fact these trees produce very high quality, large nectarines with a well-rounded flavor profile. Additionally, Nectafest is an early-season variety that will ripen in July, just after Easternglo. Moreover, they have an upright growing habit. If you are looking for a tree that is easy to grow, then this is also the tree for you! Nectarine trees are self-fertile just like peaches which means they can bear fruit without the pollen of another tree. However planting more than one tree close to one another, increased the quality. Although this is a new variety which was developed by the CRADA project, growers so far have raved about its performance. If you would like more information on how to plant and grow this tree, see our guide.

Want to know what is the difference between a nectarine and a peach tree? In fact, there is not much of a difference! The only difference is an active recessive gene which makes the nectarines grow without the fuzzy coating. In addition to the lack of fuzz, nectarine trees are also more small and delicate than peaches and can be bruised more easily.

This natural mutation took place in China over 2,000 years ago. Afterwards, the nectarine trees spread from western Asia, to Persia, to Greece and Rome. They finally arrived in Europe and England in the 16th century. Their name comes from “nectar,” meaning “food of the gods.”

Growing Characteristics

• Uses: Eating fresh, cooking
• Taste: Juicy, sweet, high quality
• Size: Medium
• Color: Red skin with yellow flesh
• Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Harvest period: Early season, July
• Pollination: While nectarines are self-fertile, which means they can pollinate and bear fruit without the help of other trees, we recommend growing this variety with other nectarine varieties.
• Cultivation: Nectarine trees are high adaptable and prefer full sun as well as fertile well-drained soil.