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Peaches & Nectarines

Planting and Care

Pruning

Soil

Feeding & Mulching

Watering

Picking Time

Storage

Plant bare-rooted plants during November and container-grown plants early autumn. Choose a sheltered, sunny site. Thin fruits if crop becomes too heavy.

Do not prune in winter and paint all cuts with Arbrex. Young trees should be pruned in March ensuring 3-5 strong, horizontal branches are maintained. Established trees should be pruned in June/July and should consist of cutting out old growth to keep the tree healthy. Fan trained trees should be bought at 2/3 years old with 8 or more branches. Tie each branch to a cane and tie the canes to horizontal wires at 45 degrees to form a fan shape. In February cut about a third off each branch just above a bud. 

Moisture-retentive and free draining.

Sprinkle fertiliser under the branches in Spring. Mulch in April.

Water regularly in dry weather, irregular watering can cause fruit to split.

Leave on the tree until the flesh around the stalk is soft. Handle carefully.

Store in a cool place for a week. Can be bottled, dried or frozen.