How to Grow Nectarines

Author Info

Last Updated: March 11, 2025

Nectarines are similar to peaches in how they taste and how they are grown. The only easily observable difference is that nectarines have smooth skin, whereas peaches have a light fuzz. Follow the steps below to learn how to grow nectarines.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Prepare the Soil

Download Article

1
Make a soil bed for your nectarine tree. You'll need to prepare the soil a year or two before planting.
- Choose an area where the tree can get full sunlight. Avoid shade from structures or trees.
- Nectarines will not do well in soil that retains water at its surface for more than an hour after the rain.
- The bed should be be 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 2 m) in diameter and 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) deep.
Advertisement
Soils should be taken from 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep and sampled every 2 or 3 years. Add lime and fertilizer as recommended to optimize the soil. The pH level shouldn't go below 6.5.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Planting

Download Article

Make the hole about a foot (30 cm) wider in diameter than the root ball.
Trim off broken and damaged roots.
Add bonemeal as you replace the topsoil. Pack the soil with your feet once it is all in place.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Pruning

Download Article

It should be 26 to 30 inches (66 to 76 cm) tall with no side branches. Use pruning shears to shape the tree into a "whip," meaning that the lateral branches are removed.
These will grow the fruit.
Pluck some of the nectarines so that you are left with about 8 inches (20 cm) between fruits. Remaining fruit will now grow larger, and the tree won't deplete.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Maintainance

Download Article

Identify any pests and apply insecticide or fungicide spray as needed.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How much time do I need to grow nectarines?

Community Answer

Since it is a fruit tree, it will take a number of years before it bears fruit.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
Question

If I grew a peach and nectarine tree, would one tree have some peaches and nectarines (if they cross pollinated)?

DancingFox

Community Answer

They could cross-pollinate and produce peacharines. They mostly have the same taste anyway, so don't worry.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0