Prunus Nectarose - Nectarine tree

The Nectarose Nectarine Tree is a late white nectarine variety that is useful for its natural resistance to brown rot, as well as the excellent taste of its fruits. The vigorous tree produces medium-sized round, shiny red nectarines, washed and speckled with yellow when ripe, whose pinkish-white flesh is particularly sweet. Harvesting begins at the end of August. This hardy nectarine tree is self-fertile and does not require the presence of another tree nearby to bear fruit.

The species name "persica" was given to the peach tree because it was believed to originate from Persia. In reality, all cultivated peach forms originate from northern China. The Nectarine tree, known as Prunus persica nucipersica in Latin, is a natural mutation of the peach tree that occurred in the 16th century. It is a small deciduous and hardy tree that can be grown in all temperate regions, with a preference for the south. Its spring blossom is quite early and can be destroyed by late frosts. The nectarine is similar to the peach but has smooth and shiny skin, its flesh is yellow or white, and its stone is free, while the peach stone adheres to the flesh.

Like many fruit trees, the Nectarose Nectarine Tree likes sunlight, heat, and shelter from strong winds. It thrives in deep, well-balanced, loose, and fertile soil, and does not tolerate excessive water or excessively heavy and compact soils, especially those with excessive clay content. It is a vigorous tree that can reach 6m (20ft) high with a spread of 3.50m (11ft). Its rather short trunk has numerous branches with varying vertical growth, giving it a slightly open and spreading habit. The nectarine tree starts bearing fruit at around 7 years of age, and its lifespan does not exceed 15 to 20 years.

Its deciduous foliage is a vibrant green with a slight almond scent. Its leaves are long, measuring 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) long and 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) wode, with a short petiole. The pink blossom opens in late March or early April. This means you will need to place the tree in a particularly sunny and sheltered location in northern regions. The flowers are hermaphroditic and self-fertile. The nectarines are round, bicoloured fruits with shiny red and light yellow skin, ready to be harvested towards the end of August or early September. Because they remain firm, the harvest can be spread over several weeks. Nectarines picked a little unripe will continue to ripen in the house. This tree does not require too much maintenance, except for a few preventive treatments against peach leaf curl. It tolerates severe pruning, but not every year.

On the table or in the kitchen: nectarines can be enjoyed raw, cooked, sweet, savoury, flambéed, in tarts, glazed or deglazed. They pair very well with wine and certain meats, such as duck. They can be found in numerous recipes, particularly for jams, compotes, and pastries...