{"title":"Nectarines","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"nectarine","title":"Nectarine Early King","description":"Nectarine Early King","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":42369971749032,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/files\/7_1_0d8d24b4-7db5-4c12-a0d9-02cda7034d7d.jpg?v=1741394235"},{"product_id":"nectarine-flavortop","title":"Nectarine Flavortop","description":"Nectarine Flavortop","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":43011152478376,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/files\/7_1_2f02c471-3311-43f9-b702-ee3305318da3.jpg?v=1741394233"},{"product_id":"nectarine-red-gold","title":"Nectarine Red Gold","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e \/* This targets the table and the cells inside it *\/ table, td { border: 1px solid #444444; \/* Dark gray border *\/ border-collapse: collapse; \/* This merges the double lines into one clean line *\/ } \/* Adding some padding so the text isn't touching the borders *\/ td { padding: 10px; } \u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe\u003cstrong\u003e Red Gold Nectarine \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eis the \"industry standard\" for high-quality, late-season nectarines. It is renowned for its exceptional size and brilliant coloring. It is the variety of choice for growers who prioritize \"exhibition-quality\" fruit and a heavy, reliable harvest. The Red Gold nectarine produces some of the largest nectarines available, featuring a glossy, deep-yellow skin nearly entirely covered in a striking red blush. The yellow flesh is exceptionally firm, sweet, and highly aromatic. The Red Gold Nectarine is a fan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e favorite because it is a \u003cstrong\u003etrue freestone\u003c\/strong\u003e variety meaning the pit separates cleanly from the dense flesh. This makes the nectarines ideal for mess-free eating, canning, and baking. The Red Gold is also celebrated for its crack-resistant skin, which holds up beautifully even after heavy summer rains. Its firm texture also gives it a superior shelf life compared to almost any other nectarine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 364.125px;\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol width=\"179\" style=\"width: 31.1304%;\"\u003e \u003ccol width=\"445\" style=\"width: 77.3913%;\"\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem class=\"eujQNb\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003ePrunus persica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem class=\"eujQNb\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003enucipersica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 'Red Gold'\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 185.156px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 185.156px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage: \u003cspan\u003eDeciduous \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 185.156px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Yjhzub\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves: \u003c\/strong\u003eDeep green and lustrous. They are lanceolate (spear-shaped) with fine serrations and a slightly larger surface area than the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/texastreefarms.com\/products\/nectarine-sunlite?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=87855591a\u0026amp;_ss=r\" title=\"Sunlite Nectarine\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Sunlite'.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Yjhzub\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Showy, pink to carmine blossoms. They bloom slightly later than low-chill varieties, providing better frost protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"Yjhzub\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003eFruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Large and glossy. Deep yellow skin almost entirely covered in a brilliant, crack-resistant red blush.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e A single, large, oval brown stone. It is a \u003cstrong\u003eTrue Freestone\u003c\/strong\u003e when fully ripe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark: \u003c\/strong\u003eSmooth reddish-brown when young; develops prominent horizontal lenticels and a rougher, dark gray texture with age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e12-15 feet (Standard); responds very well to size control.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width (Spread)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e12-15 feet (Vigorous, upright-spreading habit).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003eModerate to Fast. Focuses energy on fruit quality once established. \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zone\/Chill Hours\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003eZone 5-9 (Extremely versatile across varied climates); Requires 850-900 chill hours (high-chill; requires a true winter). \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePLANT CARE \u0026amp; CHARACTERISTICS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eFull Sun\u003c\/em\u003e. 8+ hours. High light is necessary for the deep red skin pigment and high sugar levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e Moderate to High.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cspan\u003eRequires consistent deep watering, especially during the \"final swell\" (the 3 weeks before harvest). Increase irrigation frequency by 25% during the month of July. This ensures the tree has the hydraulic pressure to \"pump up\" the fruit to its full 3-inch potential without pulling moisture from the leaves. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eLow.\u003c\/em\u003e Like most nectarines, drought stress leads to smaller fruit and potential \"fruit drop\". \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWell-Drained Loamy Soil.\u003c\/em\u003e Prefers pH 6.0–7.0. It requires better drainage than peaches to avoid root rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow. \u003c\/em\u003eDue to the sweet nature of the fruit and young foliage, protection like fencing or repellents is recommended, especially for young trees.\u003cspan data-processed=\"true\" data-wiz-uids=\"If28Gc_h,If28Gc_i\" class=\"uJ19be notranslate\"\u003e\u003cspan data-processed=\"true\" data-wiz-attrbind=\"class=If28Gc_g\/TKHnVd\" data-animation-atomic=\"\" class=\"vKEkVd\"\u003e\u003cspan data-processed=\"true\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePest\/Disease Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eModerate.\u003c\/em\u003e Excellent resistance to skin cracking; however, like all nectarines, it requires monitoring for \u003cstrong\u003eBrown Rot, Peach Leaf Curl,\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eBacterial Canker. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePollination:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSelf-pollinating.\u003c\/em\u003e Will produce a full crop on its own making it ideal for smaller yards. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eMid to Late Summer (August).\u003c\/em\u003e One of the best varieties for a late-season harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\"Snap-Ripe\" Harvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike some varieties that need to be \"mushy\" to be sweet, Red Gold is delicious even when it has a firm \"snap.\" Harvest when the background color shifts from green to a deep, golden yellow. If the fruit comes off the branch with a gentle \"twist and lift,\" it is ready, regardless of how firm it feels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree Age\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYield (Lbs)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Fruit Count\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\"\u003eYear 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\"\u003eEstablishment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\"\u003e5 – 10 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,3,0\"\u003e15 – 30 large nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\"\u003eYear 2\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\"\u003eExpanding\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\"\u003e25 – 45 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,3,0\"\u003e75 – 135 large nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"\u003eYear 3\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\"\u003eSub-Mature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\"\u003e60 – 90 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,3,0\"\u003e180 – 270 large nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\"\u003eYear 4\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\"\u003eSub-Mature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\"\u003e110 – 160 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,3,0\"\u003e330 – 480 large nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\"\u003eYear 5+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\"\u003eFull Maturity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,5,2,0\"\u003e200 – 300+ lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,3,0\"\u003e600 – 900+ large nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE\/SHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE METHOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0,0\"\u003eCountertop (Room Temp)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,0\"\u003e4 – 6 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,2,0\"\u003eExceptional holding power; softens slowly and evenly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0,0\"\u003eRefrigerator (33°F - 38°F)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,0\"\u003e10 – 14 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,2,0\"\u003eOne of the best storage nectarines; stays crisp and sweet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0,0\"\u003eCanning \/ Preserving\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,0\"\u003e1 – 2 Years\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,3,2,0\"\u003eTop Choice:\u003c\/b\u003e The firm flesh holds its shape in high-heat canning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0,0\"\u003eCommercial Shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,4,1,0\"\u003eHigh\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,2,0\"\u003eIdeal for clients who want to send boxes of fruit to friends\/family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eForcing the \"Outward\" Angle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Gold has a tendency to produce \"V-shaped\" crotches, which are weak and prone to splitting under heavy fruit loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Action: \u003c\/strong\u003eWhen pruning, always cut to an outward-facing bud.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Technique: \u003c\/strong\u003eUse a \"spreader stick\" (a small notched piece of wood) to physically push young branches away from the trunk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Benefit:\u003c\/strong\u003e This creates a much stronger \"U-shaped\" connection that can easily hold a 50-lb branch of nectarines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. \u003cstrong\u003eManaging the \"August Wood\":\u003c\/strong\u003e Since this variety ripens late, it has a very long growing season. It will produce a lot of \"redundant\" wood in the center of the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Strategy: \u003c\/strong\u003eIn mid-summer, perform a \"lightening\" prune. Snip out any thin, leafy branches in the center of the vase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reason: \u003c\/strong\u003eSunlight is what creates the \"Red\" in Red Gold. If the center is shaded, the fruit will stay green and tart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Tip-Back\" for Fruit Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because Red Gold fruit is exceptionally heavy, the tips of long branches can snap during a summer storm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Action: \u003c\/strong\u003eEvery winter, cut back the previous year's growth by one-third.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Result: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis \"stiffens\" the limb, making it thicker and more like a structural beam. It keeps the fruit high enough that it doesn't touch the ground when the branch bows under the weight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003eSanitation for Late-Season Success:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because August can be humid, air circulation is your best defense against rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Maintenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eEnsure the \"skirt\" of the tree (the bottom branches) is at least 3 feet off the ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Logic:\u003c\/strong\u003e This allows air to swirl up from under the tree, drying out the canopy quickly after a summer rain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING SUMMARY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Goal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\"\u003eScaffold Training\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,0\"\u003eAt Installation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,2,0\"\u003eHeading the main trunk to \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"26\" data-path-to-node=\"5,1,2,0\"\u003e24 inches\u003c\/b\u003e to force wide, low branching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\"\u003eDormant Thinning\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,1,0\"\u003eLate January\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,2,0\"\u003eRemoving \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"9\" data-path-to-node=\"5,2,2,0\"\u003e50%\u003c\/b\u003e of new growth to focus energy on fruit size.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\"\u003eInterior Cleaning\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,1,0\"\u003eJune \/ July\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,2,0\"\u003eRemoving \"water sprouts\" (vertical shoots) to let light reach the ripening fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":47582917689512,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/products\/7_1_39a952ee-b63f-49c4-aa37-3349eed7f024.jpg?v=1741394239"},{"product_id":"nectarine-sunlite","title":"Nectarine Sunlite","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e \/* This targets the table and the cells inside it *\/ table, td { border: 1px solid #444444; \/* Dark gray border *\/ border-collapse: collapse; \/* This merges the double lines into one clean line *\/ } \/* Adding some padding so the text isn't touching the borders *\/ td { padding: 10px; } \u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSunlite Nectarine \u003c\/strong\u003eis a premium \"gourmet\" variety offering all the sweetness of a peach without the fuzz. Specifically bred for warmer climates, it is a high-performing tree that delivers a professional-quality harvest in a compact, manageable form. It produces medium-sized, smooth-skinned fruit featuring a bright, sun-washed red blush over a golden-yellow ground. The yellow flesh is exceptionally sweet, juicy, and possesses a refined \"tangy-honey\" flavor profile. The Sunlite Nectarine is a favorite because it is a true \u003cstrong\u003efreestone \u003c\/strong\u003evariety, meaning the pit separates cleanly from the melting flesh, making it easy to slice for salads, tarts, or quick snacks. Despite its smaller starting size, the Sunlite is a fast grower with a spreading habit. It is naturally self-fertile and known for being an \"over-achiever,\" often requiring heavy thinning to manage its abundant fruit sets. With a requirement of only 400–500 chill hours, the Sunlite is a reliable producer for clients in the South and Southwest (Zones 7–9). It thrives in the heat and resists the fruit-set issues that plague high-chill varieties in milder winters. It is the perfect choice for families who want a heavy-yielding, high-sugar fruit tree that fits comfortably into a residential landscape and provides a beautiful display of pink blossoms each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 364.11px;\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol width=\"179\" style=\"width: 20.6258%;\"\u003e \u003ccol width=\"445\" style=\"width: 79.3742%;\"\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePrunus persica var. nucipersica\u003c\/em\u003e 'Sunlite'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 185.141px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 185.141px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage: Deciduous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 185.141px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lance-shaped and glossy. They have a slightly more lustrous appearance than peach leaves and finely serrated margins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers: \u003c\/strong\u003eShowy, bright pink blossoms that emerge early in the spring. They are highly aromatic and attract pollinators.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit: \u003c\/strong\u003eMedium-sized with smooth, fuzz-less skin. It features a bright red blush over a yellow-gold background.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e A single, oval, deeply pitted brown stone. It is a \u003cstrong\u003eFreestone\u003c\/strong\u003e variety when fully ripe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark: \u003c\/strong\u003eSmooth and reddish-gray when young, developing deeper fissures and a darker gray-brown tone as the tree matures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e12 – 15 feet (Standard); can be kept to 8–10 feet with pruning.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width (Spread)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e12 – 15 feet (Spreading, rounded canopy).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003eFast-growing. Typical of nectarines, it establishes a productive canopy quickly.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zone\/Chill Hours\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003eZone 7-9 (Performs exceptionally well in the South and West); Requires 400-500 chill hours (Low-chill; ideal for warmer climates)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePLANT CARE \u0026amp; CHARACTERISTICS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eFull Sun\u003c\/em\u003e. 8+ hours. High light is critical for the \"Sunlite\" to develop its signature red blush and high sugar content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eModerate\u003c\/em\u003e. R\u003cspan\u003eequires consistent, deep weekly soakings to produce quality fruit (1-2 inches). Increase frequency during hot, dry, or fruiting periods. Consistent moisture is vital during the \"final swell\" of the fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDrought Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e Low. \u003c\/em\u003eWater stress will cause the fruit to shrivel or the tree to drop leaves prematurely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eWell-drained, sandy loam\u003c\/em\u003e. Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.0. It is highly sensitive to \"wet feet\" and root rot in heavy clay. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow. \u003c\/em\u003eT\u003cspan\u003eender young fruit trees are highly attractive to deer, who eat leaves, bark, and fruit. Protection methods like fencing, repellents, or protective netting are required to prevent damage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePest\/Disease Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eModerate. \u003c\/em\u003eGood resistance to most common issues, but more susceptible to \u003cstrong\u003eBrown Rot \u003c\/strong\u003eand \u003cstrong\u003eThrips\u003c\/strong\u003e than fuzzy peaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Smooth Skin\" Vulnerability: \u003c\/strong\u003eBecause nectarines lack the protective \"fuzz\" of a peach, the skin is more delicate.\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Strategy: \u003c\/strong\u003eAvoid overhead watering once the fruit begins to ripen. Water sitting on the smooth skin in the hot sun can cause \"sunscald\" or encourage Brown Rot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Maintenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eUse a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose at the base during your installation.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly in the spring, tiny insects called \u003cstrong\u003eThrips\u003c\/strong\u003e can scar the surface of the developing nectarine. While purely cosmetic, these \"silver scars\" can be avoided by maintaining a clean orchard floor. Keeping the area under the tree weed-free is the best organic way to reduce pest pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePollination:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSelf-pollinating\u003c\/em\u003e. Produces a large crop without a second tree, though yield improves with a \"buddy.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eEarly to Mid-Summer (June\/July).\u003c\/em\u003e Typically ripens in the heart of the summer season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting by \"Feel,\" Not Just Color: \u003c\/strong\u003eNectarines can look fully red before they are actually sweet. Wait for a slight \"give\" near the stem when you squeeze them lightly. A Sunlite nectarine picked too early will be tart; one picked at the peak of softness will have a honey-like sweetness that is far superior to grocery store fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree Age\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYield (Lbs)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Fruit Count\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eEstablishment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e4 – 8 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,3,0\"\u003e15 – 30 nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 2\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eExpanding\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e20 – 35 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,3,0\"\u003e80 – 140 nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 3\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSub-Mature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e45 – 70 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,3,0\"\u003e180 – 280 nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 4\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSub-Mature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e80 – 120 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,3,0\"\u003e320 – 480 nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 5+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFull Maturity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e150 – 200+ lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,3,0\"\u003e600 – 800+ nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE\/SHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"8\" style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.9324%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE METHOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 17.4018%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 62.6658%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.9324%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCountertop (Room Temp)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 17.4018%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e2 – 3 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 62.6658%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,2,0\"\u003eBest for peak aroma; the skin will slightly \"shrivel\" when sugars are highest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.9324%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRefrigerator (33°F - 38°F)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 17.4018%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e5 – 7 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 62.6658%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,2,0\"\u003eSlows the softening process; nectarines hold their flavor well when chilled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.9324%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFreezing (Sliced)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 17.4018%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e8 – 12 Months\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 62.6658%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTop Choice:\u003c\/b\u003e Excellent for smoothies or baking; skin can be left on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.9324%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDehydrating\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 17.4018%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e6+ Months\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 62.6658%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,2,0\"\u003eThe high sugar content makes for incredible \"fruit leather\" or dried rings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eBuilding the \"Knee-High\" Base\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Action: \u003c\/strong\u003eDuring installation, head the tree back to about 2 feet from the ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Benefit: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis forces the \"scaffold\" branches to emerge lower. A lower tree is easier to spray, thin, and harvest without needing a ladder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u003cstrong\u003e The \"Hand-Width\" Rule:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nectarines produce fruit on \"one-year-old wood\" (the reddish branches from last summer).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Technique:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thinning is non-negotiable. When pruning in the winter, remove enough fruit so that there is 6 inches (hands length) between each nectarine.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reason: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis prevents the smooth-skinned Sunlite nectarines from bumping and bruising each other during high winds, reducing the entry points for Brown Rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.\u003cstrong\u003e Heading Back for Strength\u003c\/strong\u003e: Sunlite is a vigorous grower and can produce long, thin \"whips\" of new wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Strategy: \u003c\/strong\u003eCut back every main branch by about one-third of its length each winter, always cutting to an outward-facing bud.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Result:\u003c\/strong\u003e This \"stiffens\" the branch. Instead of a long, floppy limb that bends to the ground under the weight of the fruit, you create a thick, structural \"arm\" that stays upright.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003eSummer \"Water Sprout\" Sanitation:\u003c\/strong\u003e In warm zones (7–9), the Sunlite will try to send \"suckers\" straight up through the middle of the vase in June.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Maintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pull these out by hand while they are still green and soft.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Payoff:\u003c\/strong\u003e This keeps the \"Sunlite\" reaching the interior of the tree, which is essential for the fruit to develop its vibrant red color and high sugar levels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.\u003cstrong\u003e Sunscald Prevention: \u003c\/strong\u003eSince the Sunlite is smooth-skinned, it can \"sunburn\" if it is suddenly exposed to direct noon-day sun after a heavy pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Action: \u003c\/strong\u003eEnsure your pruning strategy leaves enough \"interior\" leaves to dappled-shade the fruit. This prevents the skin from toughening or developing brown spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING SUMMARY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Goal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTrunk Consolidation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,0\"\u003eAt Installation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,2,0\"\u003eShortening the main leader to roughly \u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"38\"\u003e24–30 inches\u003c\/span\u003e to lower the center of gravity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eScaffold Selection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,1,0\"\u003eYear 1–2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,2,0\"\u003eChoosing 3–4 \"primary\" branches that grow outward like the ribs of an umbrella.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThinning the \"Brush\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,1,0\"\u003eEvery Winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,2,0\"\u003eRemoving the thin, \"twiggy\" interior growth that won't support heavy fruit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":55257679069352,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/products\/7_1_646fce70-6d04-4070-afa0-d9ef30659ec5.jpg?v=1741394236"},{"product_id":"nectarine-independence","title":"Nectarine Independence","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e \/* This targets the table and the cells inside it *\/ table, td { border: 1px solid #444444; \/* Dark gray border *\/ border-collapse: collapse; \/* This merges the double lines into one clean line *\/ } \/* Adding some padding so the text isn't touching the borders *\/ td { padding: 10px; } \u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe\u003cstrong\u003e Independence Nectarine \u003c\/strong\u003eis a \"reliable workhorse\" variety of nectarine. It is widely celebrated by home orchardists and professional growers alike for its consistent productivity, exceptional fruit finish, and ability to handle varying environmental stresses with ease. The Independence Nectarine is known for its \"tough\" and crack-resistant skin due to its ability to hold up better in humid conditions or heavy summer rains than thinner-skinned varieties. This makes it a top-tier choice for regions with unpredictable summer weather. The Nectarine 'Independence' is a deciduous fruit tree that produces produces medium-sized, oval nectarines that are visually stunning, featuring a brilliant cherry-red skin over a warm yellow background. The yellow flesh is exceptionally firm, tangy-sweet, and possesses a classic \"old-fashioned\" nectarine flavor. The nectarines are \u003cstrong\u003efreestone\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning the flesh easily separates from the pit, making them ideal for fresh eating, baking, canning, and preserves. The tree itself has an attractive, rounded canopy with glossy green leaves and features large showy pink blossoms that bloom mid-spring. The  Independence Nectarine is a \"High-Yield Guarantee.\" It is the ideal variety for those who want a vigorous, self-fertile tree that produces \"grocery store perfect\" fruit with minimal cosmetic fuss during the peak of summer (late June to July).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"left\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 26.8581%;\"\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 73.1419%;\"\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePrunus persica var. nucipersica\u003c\/em\u003e 'Independence'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage: Deciduous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves: \u003c\/strong\u003eDeep green and tapering. Long, lanceolate leaves with finely serrated edges and a slightly wavy texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers: \u003c\/strong\u003eLarge, showy pink blossoms. These bloom in mid-spring, helping the tree avoid the earliest frosts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit: \u003c\/strong\u003eMedium-sized and oval. Brilliant cherry-red skin over a yellow background. The flesh is yellow and firm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds: \u003c\/strong\u003eA single, oval pitted stone. It is a \u003cstrong\u003eTrue Freestone\u003c\/strong\u003e when fully matured.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark: \u003c\/strong\u003eReddish-brown and smooth on young wood; develops characteristic horizontal lenticels and darkens with age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 – 15 feet (Standard); easily maintained at 10 feet with pruning.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width (Spread)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 – 15 feet (Rounded, spreading canopy).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast. It establishes its root system and canopy quickly after installation.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zone\/Chill Hours \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 5 – 9 (Excellent cold hardiness and heat tolerance); Requires 700 – 800 hours (Mid-to-high chill; very reliable for consistent winters).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePLANT CARE \u0026amp; CHARACTERISTICS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eFull Sun.\u003c\/em\u003e 8+ hours. Essential for the high-sugar \"honey\" flavor and deep crimson skin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eModerate.\u003c\/em\u003e Needs regular, deep watering (especially in June). Avoid frequent shallow sprinkles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eLow.\u003c\/em\u003e Water stress will cause the fruit to drop or become fibrous and \"woody.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Pro-Tip: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf the leaves start to \"flag\" (droop slightly) in the afternoon, the tree needs an immediate deep soak to prevent the nectarines from shriveling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eWell-Drained Loam.\u003c\/em\u003e Prefers pH 6.0–7.0. Very sensitive to \"standing water\" or salty soils.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eLow. \u003c\/em\u003eLike all stone fruits, it is a high-priority target for deer browsing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePest\/Disease Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eHigh.\u003c\/em\u003e Notable for its resistance to skin cracking and moderate resistance to Bacterial Spot. Adequate air circulation around the tree is important for minimizing the risk of fungal diseases such as Brown Rot and Peach Leaf Curl. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey may be susceptible to pests such as aphids and peach tree borers. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eSelf-Fertile\u003c\/em\u003e. Produces a massive crop on its own; no second tree required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eMid-Summer (Late June to July). \u003c\/em\u003eA reliable mid-season performer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Cherry-Red\" Deception: \u003c\/strong\u003eIndependence develops its brilliant red color weeks before it is actually sweet. Do not pick based on color alone. Wait for the \"background color\" (the small parts not covered in red) to turn from lime-green to a creamy yellow. This ensures the sugars have fully developed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePicking for Longevity: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf you have a massive harvest all at once, you can \"stagger\" the shelf life. Harvest the firmest (but colored) fruit and put them straight into the crisper drawer; they will hold for two weeks. Leave the slightly softer fruit on the counter for immediate eating.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree Age\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYield (Lbs)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Fruit Count\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\"\u003eYear 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\"\u003eEstablishment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\"\u003e5 – 8 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,3,0\"\u003e20 – 35 medium nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\"\u003eYear 2\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\"\u003eExpanding\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\"\u003e25 – 40 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,3,0\"\u003e100 – 160 medium nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"\u003eYear 3\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\"\u003eSub-Mature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\"\u003e55 – 80 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,3,0\"\u003e220 – 320 medium nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\"\u003eYear 4\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\"\u003eSub-Mature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\"\u003e100 – 140 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,3,0\"\u003e400 – 560 medium nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\"\u003eYear 5+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\"\u003eFull Maturity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,5,2,0\"\u003e150 – 250 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,3,0\"\u003e600 – 1,000+ nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePro-Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFor the first two years, remove all the blossoms. It sounds painful, but it forces the tree to put all its energy into the trunk and roots. By year three, the tree will be strong enough to hold a massive crop without leaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE\/SHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 176.344px;\" data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 23.6486%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE METHOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.7669%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 56.5844%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 23.6486%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0,0\"\u003eCountertop (Room Temp)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.7669%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,0\"\u003e3 – 5 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: left; width: 56.5844%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,2,0\"\u003eWill soften slowly; the cherry-red skin stays vibrant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 23.6486%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0,0\"\u003eRefrigerator (33°F - 38°F)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.7669%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,0\"\u003e10 – 14 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: left; width: 56.5844%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,2,0\"\u003eExcellent longevity; keeps its \"snap\" and juice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 23.6486%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0,0\"\u003eFreezing (Sliced)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.7669%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,0\"\u003e10 – 12 Months\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: left; width: 56.5844%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,3,2,0\"\u003eTop Choice:\u003c\/b\u003e The firm flesh doesn't disintegrate when thawed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 23.6486%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0,0\"\u003eLunchbox\/Travel\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.7669%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"8,4,1,0\"\u003eHigh Resistance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: left; width: 56.5844%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,2,0\"\u003eThe toughest skin of the nectarines; resists bruising well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u003cstrong\u003e The \"Open Bowl\" for Airflow: \u003c\/strong\u003eBecause Independence is a mid-season producer, it is often ripening during the most humid weeks of summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Action: \u003c\/strong\u003eEnsure that no branches cross through the center of the tree. If you can't drop a basketball through the middle of the canopy without hitting a branch, it’s too thick.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Benefit: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis \"Open Vase\" allows wind to whistle through the tree, drying the fruit quickly after a rain and preventing the dreaded Brown Rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. \u003cstrong\u003eManaging the \"Long Whips\": \u003c\/strong\u003eThe Independence can easily grow 3 to 4 feet of new wood in a single season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Technique:\u003c\/strong\u003e During winter pruning, \"head back\" these long whips by one-half.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reason: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf you leave them long, the fruit will grow at the very tips of the branches. Under the weight of a heavy Independence harvest, those long, thin branches will snap like toothpicks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eLow-Scaffold Development\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Strategy: \u003c\/strong\u003eIdentify 3 to 5 \"main\" branches that grow outward at a 45-degree angle. Remove everything else that grows straight up or straight down.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Pro-Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tell your clients to visualize the tree like an umbrella turned upside down. This structure provides the maximum surface area for the sun to hit the fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003ePreventing \"Fruited-Out\" Wood: \u003c\/strong\u003eNectarines only fruit on wood that grew the previous year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Maintenance: \u003c\/strong\u003eOnce a branch has fruited for 2 or 3 years, it can become \"tired\" and stop producing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Action:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every winter, remove about 20% of the oldest, grayish wood to force the tree to produce fresh, reddish \"fruiting wood\" for the following season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.\u003cstrong\u003e The \"Heavy Loader\" Problem:\u003c\/strong\u003e Independence is a very \"willing\" producer, often setting more fruit than its branches can physically hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Strategy:\u003c\/strong\u003e At the point of sale, explain the \"Rule of Three.\" If there are three nectarines in a cluster, remove two.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Result: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis ensures the remaining fruit becomes the size of a baseball rather than a golf ball.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING SUMMARY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Goal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\"\u003eInitial Heading\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,0\"\u003eAt Installation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,2,0\"\u003eCutting the main trunk to \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"26\" data-path-to-node=\"5,1,2,0\"\u003e24–30 inches\u003c\/b\u003e to promote low-scaffold branching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\"\u003eThinning the Center\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,1,0\"\u003eLate Winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,2,0\"\u003eRemoving \"up-and-in\" branches to maintain an open \"bowl\" shape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\"\u003eSummer Tipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,1,0\"\u003eLate June\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,2,0\"\u003eSnipping the tips of long new shoots to encourage \"fruiting spurs\" for next year.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":46723653370024,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/files\/3cfec73b-7461-4227-ac6c-6b3d036f428a.png?v=1772199491"},{"product_id":"nectarine-smooth-texan-3","title":"Nectarine Smooth Texan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 'Smooth Texan' nectarine produces large, juicy fruit with smooth skin, lacking the fuzziness commonly associated with peaches and some nectarines. The fruit has a sweet, rich flavor with a hint of tartness, making it a favorite among nectarine enthusiasts. The flesh is typically yellow or white, depending on the specific cultivar. 'Smooth Texan' nectarines are usually freestone, meaning the flesh separates easily from the pit, which is convenient for eating fresh or for use in cooking and baking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Smooth Texan' nectarine trees are typically medium-sized, reaching heights of about 12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 meters) and spreads of 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.7 meters) at maturity. However, the size of individual trees may vary depending on factors such as growing conditions, climate, and pruning practices. 'Smooth Texan' nectarine trees have a rounded canopy with dense foliage, providing ample shade and ornamental value in the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest Growing Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Smooth Texan' nectarine trees are well-suited to regions with mild, temperate climates. They thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 8, where temperatures rarely drop below -10°F (-23°C) in zone 6. 'Smooth Texan' nectarines require a certain amount of winter chill hours to set fruit successfully, making them best suited to regions with a pronounced winter season. They prefer full sun exposure to ensure optimal fruit production and require well-drained soil with good fertility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil and Sun Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Smooth Texan' nectarine trees prefer well-drained soil with good aeration and moderate fertility. They thrive in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate sunlight is essential for promoting vigorous growth and abundant fruiting. 'Smooth Texan' nectarines are tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or rocky soils, as long as they are well-drained and have good moisture retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Smooth Texan' nectarine trees have moderate water needs and prefer consistently moist soil, especially during periods of active growth and fruit development. Water deeply but infrequently, providing about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) of water per week, depending on weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot and other problems. Mulching around the base of the tree can help conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Proper pruning and maintenance are essential for maximizing fruit production and maintaining the health of 'Smooth Texan' nectarine trees. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and size, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Thinning out overcrowded branches can improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and promoting fruit ripening. Fertilize 'Smooth Texan' nectarine trees in spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and fruiting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":46723673882792,"sku":null,"price":47.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"nectarine-nectar-babe","title":"Nectarine Nectar Babe","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e \/* This targets the table and the cells inside it *\/ table, td { border: 1px solid #444444; \/* Dark gray border *\/ border-collapse: collapse; \/* This merges the double lines into one clean line *\/ } \/* Adding some padding so the text isn't touching the borders *\/ td { padding: 10px; } \u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eNectar Babe Nectarine \u003c\/strong\u003eis the ultimate \"genetic dwarf\". It is a botanical marvel that delivers full-sized, orchard-quality fruit on a tree that naturally maintains a compact, shrub-like form, making it the premier choice for modern, space-conscious gardening. Unlike standard trees grafted onto dwarf rootstock, the Nectar Babe is a natural dwarf. It matures at a manageable 4–6 feet tall, making it perfect for large patio containers, small urban courtyards, or as a productive focal point in a flower border. Despite the tree's small stature, it produces impressive, full-sized nectarines. The fruit features a smooth, deep red skin and a firm, melting yellow flesh that is exceptionally sweet and rich in flavor. 'Nectar Babe' nectarines are \u003cstrong\u003efreestone,\u003c\/strong\u003e meaning the flesh separates easily from the pit, which is convenient for eating and processing. In early spring, the tree is completely transformed by a dense explosion of large, showy pink blossoms. Its lush, deep green foliage grows with very short internodes, creating a \"pom-pom\" appearance that remains attractive throughout the growing season. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"left\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 24.8399%;\"\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 75.1601%;\"\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePrunus persica var. nucipersica\u003c\/em\u003e 'Nectar Babe'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage: Deciduous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep green and exceptionally dense. The internodes (space between leaves) are very short, creating a lush, \"pom-pom\" look.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, showy pink blossoms that completely cover the branches in early spring. Highly ornamental.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit: \u003c\/strong\u003eMedium to Large with a smooth, deep red skin. The flesh is yellow, firm, and surprisingly sweet for a dwarf variety.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e A single, oval pitted stone. It is a Freestone variety when fully ripe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark: \u003c\/strong\u003eSmooth and dark reddish-brown when young; remains relatively clean and compact as it ages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 – 6 feet (Naturally dwarf; rarely exceeds 6 feet).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width (Spread)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 – 6 feet (Dense, rounded, and shrub-like habit).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlow to Moderate. Focuses energy on dense foliage and fruit rather than height.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zone\/Chill Hours \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 6 – 9 (Highly versatile and easy to protect). Requires 400 – 500 chill hours (Mid-range; very reliable for most southern gardens).\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePLANT CARE \u0026amp; CHARACTERISTICS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e Full Sun.\u003c\/em\u003e 6–8+ hours. Essential for fruit sweetening and prevents the dense canopy from holding too much moisture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eModerate to High.\u003c\/em\u003e Needs consistent moisture; dwarf trees have smaller root systems and dry out faster. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePro Tip: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf the tree is in a pot, the salts from fertilizers can build up and affect the taste of the fruit (making it slightly bitter). Once a month during the growing season, perform a \"heavy flush\" with plain water to clear out excess minerals. This keeps the nectarines tasting sweet and \"clean.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eVery Low.\u003c\/em\u003e Due to its compact root ball, it cannot withstand long dry spells like standard-sized trees.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Rich, Well-Drained Soil. Ideal for premium potting mixes or loamy garden beds. Prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (around 6.0 to 7.0). Requires excellent drainage and is sensitive to \"wet feet\". Use a water-soluble \"bloom booster\" fertilizer in early spring as the pink blossoms appear. This ensures the tree has enough nitrogen and phosphorus to keep the leaves green while it sets its heavy crop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Low. Its short stature puts the entire crop within easy reach of deer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePest\/Disease Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eFair to Moderate.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBecause the leaves grow so close together, airflow can be restricted and put the tree at risk for \u003cstrong\u003ePeach Leaf Curl \u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cstrong\u003e Brown Rot. \u003c\/strong\u003eIt is important to be proactive during dormancy by utilizing a simple copper spray to prevent these diseases and keep the tree healthy and productive. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Partially \u003cem\u003eself-fertile\u003c\/em\u003e, meaning they can set fruit with their pollen alone. However, cross-pollination with another nectarine tree of a different cultivar can increase fruit set and yield. The best partners are \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Sunlite Nectarine\" href=\"https:\/\/texastreefarms.com\/products\/nectarine-sunlite?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=87855591a\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Sunlite' \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003eor 'Mid-Pride'. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eMid-Summer (July). \u003c\/em\u003eTypically ripens in the heart of the nectarine season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree Age\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYield (Lbs)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Fruit Count\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eEstablishment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e3 – 6 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,3,0\"\u003e10 – 20 full-sized nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 2\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eExpanding\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e15 – 25 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,3,0\"\u003e50 – 80 full-sized nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 3\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSub-Mature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e30 – 45 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,3,0\"\u003e100 – 150 full-sized nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 4\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e50 – 65 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,3,0\"\u003e160 – 220 full-sized nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 5+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFull Maturity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e70 – 90 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,5,3,0\"\u003e240 – 300+ full-sized nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE\/SHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"8\" style=\"width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 21.1149%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE METHOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 18.078%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 60.8071%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 21.1149%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCountertop (Room Temp)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 18.078%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e3 – 4 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: left; width: 60.8071%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,1,2,0\"\u003eBest for ripening; the skin will develop a deep aroma.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 21.1149%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRefrigerator (33°F - 38°F)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 18.078%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e7 – 10 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 60.8071%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,2,2,0\"\u003eHolds its firmness well; excellent for chilled snacks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 21.1149%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFreezing (Whole\/Sliced)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 18.078%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e10 – 12 Months\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: left; width: 60.8071%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTop Choice:\u003c\/b\u003e Because they are freestone, they are very easy to prep for the freezer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 21.1149%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFresh Grilling\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 18.078%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eImmediate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: left; width: 60.8071%;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"8,4,2,0\"\u003eThe high sugar content caramelizes beautifully on a grill.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eOpening the \"Sunlight Chimney\": \u003c\/strong\u003eSince this tree is naturally short, it is often shaded by fences or other garden plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Action:\u003c\/strong\u003e Look at the top of the tree and remove several small branches from the very center to create a \"chimney.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Benefit: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis allows sunlight to drop straight down into the middle of the tree. This is the only way to get the fruit inside the canopy to develop the high sugar levels and red blush the \"Babe\" is known for.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. \u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Finger-Space\" Rule\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Technique:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use your fingers to gauge the space. If you can't fit two fingers between fruiting twigs, remove one.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reason:\u003c\/strong\u003e Airflow is the only thing that prevents Brown Rot in a dwarf variety. If the leaves are touching and stay wet from dew or rain, the fruit will rot before it's ripe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3.\u003cstrong\u003e No \"Heading\" Required: \u003c\/strong\u003eOn your standard peaches, you \"head back\" (cut off the ends) to keep them short. NEVER head back a Nectar Babe aggressively. Because it grows so slowly, a heavy heading cut can stunt the tree for years. Only \"thin\" (remove the entire small branch at its base) rather than \"topping\" it. Think of the Nectar Babe as a \"Bonsai Fruit Tree.\" It doesn't need a saw; it just needs a pair of hand pruners and a few minutes of \"tidying up\" once a year. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003e\"Thinning\" Criticality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because the Nectar Babe is so productive, it will try to grow fruit in clusters like grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Action: \u003c\/strong\u003eYou must thin the fruit to one nectarine every 6 inches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reason:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you don't thin, the fruit will stay the size of apricots, and the sheer weight can actually snap the trunk of a young 5-gallon tree.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. \u003cstrong\u003eManaging the \"Potted\" Structure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Maintenance: \u003c\/strong\u003e\"Skirt\" the tree—remove the lowest branches that hang over the edge of the pot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Logic: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis keeps the fruit off the rim of the pot and prevents insects from having a \"bridge\" into the canopy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING SUMMARY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Goal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThinning Out\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,1,0\"\u003eWinter (Dormant)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,1,2,0\"\u003eRemoving \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\"\u003e1\/3\u003c\/b\u003e of the small, twiggy interior branches to allow air and light into the center.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHeight Tipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,1,0\"\u003eLate Spring\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,2,2,0\"\u003eOnly snipping the very tips of the branches to maintain a rounded, 5-foot shape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSanitation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,1,0\"\u003eYear-Round\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"5,3,2,0\"\u003eRemoving any \"Peach Leaf Curl\" affected leaves immediately to prevent spread in the tight canopy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":46723687219368,"sku":null,"price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/files\/c2ad385f-adff-4afe-a013-30323423d6c8.png?v=1772200065"},{"product_id":"nectarine-panamint","title":"Nectarine Panamint","description":"","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":46874273874088,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/files\/4573E710-89BB-4B5B-926D-CA59B84B8B7A.jpg?v=1741394243"},{"product_id":"nectarine-necta-zee","title":"Nectarine Necta Zee","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e \/* This targets the table and the cells inside it *\/ table, td { border: 1px solid #444444; \/* Dark gray border *\/ border-collapse: collapse; \/* This merges the double lines into one clean line *\/ } \/* Adding some padding so the text isn't touching the borders *\/ td { padding: 10px; } \u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe\u003cstrong\u003e Necta Zee Nectarine \u003c\/strong\u003eis a \"genetic dwarf\" variety, meaning its compact, shrub-like stature is bred directly into its DNA. It is widely considered one of the best-tasting dwarf nectarines available, offering a full-sized harvest on a tree that rarely exceeds 6 feet in height. It produces medium-to-large, yellow-fleshed freestone nectarines. The skin is smooth (fuzz-less) and develops a dark red blush over a golden-yellow background. Its fruit has a rich, \"honey-sweet\" profile with a perfect hit of traditional nectarine tang. The Necta Zee features a naturally dense canopy of long, dark green leaves and puts on a spectacular display of large, pink blossoms in early spring. It is ideal for containers and small spaces and it's valued by growers who want \"farm-stand quality\" fruit but don't have the space for a 15-foot orchard tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\" align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 96.6273%; height: 364.125px;\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol width=\"179\" style=\"width: 28.0072%;\"\u003e \u003ccol width=\"445\" style=\"width: 71.9928%;\"\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"eujQNb\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Yjhzub\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrunus persica var. nucipersica\u003c\/em\u003e 'Necta Zee'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 185.156px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 185.156px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage: Deciduous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 185.156px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves: \u003c\/strong\u003eDense and Lush. Dark green, lanceolate leaves with finely serrated margins. Because the internodes are so short, the foliage creates a thick \"puffball\" appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers: \u003c\/strong\u003eVery Showy Pink. Large, fragrant, single-petalled pink blossoms that completely cover the branches in early spring, making it a high-value ornamental.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit: Firm Freestone.\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-to-large fruit with smooth, bright red-over-yellow skin. The flesh is yellow, juicy, and has a rich, sweet-tart balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds: Single Brown Pit. \u003c\/strong\u003eA standard rough-textured stone. As a freestone, the fruit separates easily from the pit when fully ripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark: \u003c\/strong\u003eTextured Grey-Brown. Smooth with horizontal lenticels when young, becoming more fissured and rugged with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e4-8 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width (Spread)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e4-6 feet; Naturally develops a symmetrical, rounded canopy.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003eSlow to Moderate; Energy is prioritized into fruit density rather than vertical height. \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zone\/Chill Hours\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003eZone 6-9 (Versatile across many climates, but particularly excels in Western and Southern heat); R\u003cspan\u003eequiring 400-500 chill hours (A reliable producer for regions with moderate winters).\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePLANT CARE \u0026amp; CHARACTERISTICS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eRequires \u003cem\u003efull sun \u003c\/em\u003e(6-8+ hours).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Consistent, deep watering to maintain evenly moist \u003cspan\u003eespecially during the first few growing seasons and while fruit is developing. Established trees need less frequent, deep, infrequent watering (every 10–14 days) to prevent waterlogged roots, particularly in hot, dry conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDrought Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow. \u003c\/em\u003eR\u003cspan\u003eequires consistent, regular watering, especially in hot climates. Dry soil often induces premature dormancy, and the tree is very sensitive to moisture stress.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eWell-drained, average moisture soil; does not tolerate standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow. \u003c\/em\u003eI\u003cspan\u003ets small size makes it particularly vulnerable to deer damage. Protection like fencing is highly recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePest\/Disease Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eSusceptible to \u003cstrong\u003ePeach Leaf Curl\u003c\/strong\u003e in cool wet springs. While you are doing your dormant pruning in January\/February, it is the perfect time to apply a copper-based fungicide spray. This prevents \"Peach Leaf Curl,\" which can devastate the dense foliage of a dwarf tree. Because nectarines lack the protective fuzz of peaches, they are highly susceptible to \u003cstrong\u003eBrown Rot.\u003c\/strong\u003e Always clean your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol between trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePollination:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSelf-pollinating. \u003c\/em\u003eOften producing fruit in 2-3 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eEarly summer (June–July),\u003c\/em\u003e making it one of the earlier nectarine harvests of the season—perfectly filling the gap after your 'June Gold' peaches but before the Sam Houston and Harvester varieties peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Indicators\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eSkin Change: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe \"background\" skin color (behind the red blush) will shift from dull green to a bright, creamy yellow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. \u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Shoulder\" Test: \u003c\/strong\u003eGently press the fruit near the stem. If it feels like a ripe avocado (slight give), it’s ready.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Scent:\u003c\/strong\u003e Necta Zees have a very intense \"nectar\" aroma that becomes apparent about 48 hours before they are soft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree Age\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Yield (lbs)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Fruit Count\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eEstablishment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,1,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,1,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e0 – 3 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,1,3,0\"\u003e5 – 12 Nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 2\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e\"Taster\" Crop\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,2,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e12 – 20 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,3,0\"\u003e40 – 60 Nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 3\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFirst Full Harvest\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e30 – 50 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,3,3,0\"\u003e100 – 160 Nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 4\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSub-Mature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e55 – 75 lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,4,3,0\"\u003e180 – 250 Nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eYear 5+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,5,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFull Maturity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,5,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e75 – 100+ lbs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,5,3,0\"\u003e250 – 350+ Nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE- The Container Cap: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf you keep your Necta Zee in its 5 Gallon container or upgrade it to a 15-20 Gallon pot, the yield will likely plateau at 40–50 lbs. For the full 100 lb potential, it should be installed in the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE\/SHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eBecause it is a \"genetic dwarf,\" it produces fruit with a very high sugar-to-acid ratio, which gives it an intense, honey-like flavor. However, like all nectarines, it lacks the protective \"fuzz\" of a peach, making its skin thinner and more susceptible to dehydration and bruising during storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"2\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 254.719px;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 28.2095%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE METHOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.4365%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 52.354%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 28.2095%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCountertop (Room Temp)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.4365%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,1,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e2 – 3 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 52.354%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,1,2,0\"\u003eRipening firm fruit. Keep in a single layer; stacking causes the thin skins to bruise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 58.7812px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 28.2095%; height: 58.7812px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRefrigerator (33°F - 38°F)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.4365%; height: 58.7812px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e5 – 7 Days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 52.354%; height: 58.7812px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,2,0\"\u003eBest for fresh eating. Necta Zees are \"melting-flesh\" types and soften faster than \"firm-flesh\" commercial types.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 28.2095%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePantry (Airtight Jar\/Bag) Dehydrated\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.4365%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e6-12 Months\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 52.354%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,2,2,0\"\u003eBecause of their high sugar content and smooth skin (no peeling required!), Necta Zees are world-class for dehydrating. Sliced into 1\/4-inch rounds, they turn into chewy, sweet \"nectarine chips\" that store for months in a vacuum-sealed bag.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 28.2095%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFreezer (Sliced\/Pitted)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.4365%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,3,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e10 – 12 Months\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 52.354%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,3,2,0\"\u003eExcellent for smoothies and baking. Since it is a freestone, the pit pops out easily for fast processing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 28.2095%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCanned \/ Preserved\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center; width: 19.4365%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2,4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003e1 – 2 Years\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 52.354%; height: 39.1875px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"2,4,2,0\"\u003eHigh sugar content makes it excellent for jams or \"nectarine butter.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritical Handling for Necta Zee\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Skin Stress\" Factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because the Necta Zee is a dwarf tree, the fruit grows in very tight, dense clusters. This often results in small \"rub marks\" on the skin from where the fruit touched a branch or another nectarine. These marks don't affect flavor but can be the first place the fruit starts to soften or mold during storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Freestone Advantage: \u003c\/strong\u003eUnlike the 'June Gold' peach, the Necta Zee is a\u003cstrong\u003e true freestone.\u003c\/strong\u003e When you are ready to freeze or can your harvest, you can simply slice around the \"seam\" and twist; the pit will fall out cleanly, leaving the delicate flesh intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eAvoid the \"Mealy Zone\":\u003c\/strong\u003e To maintain the juicy, melting texture, avoid storing these nectarines between 36°F and 50°F for more than a day or two. If they aren't ripe, keep them on the counter. If they are ripe, move them to the coldest part of your fridge (near 33°F) to \"lock in\" the texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Bowl\" Trap: \u003c\/strong\u003eBecause Necta Zees are smaller than 'Sam Houston' peaches, there is a temptation to pile them in a fruit bowl. Avoid this. The weight of the top fruit will cause the bottom nectarines to develop \"flat spots\" within 12 hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Open Center\" Dwarf Strategy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because the Necta Zee naturally stays low (4–6 feet), you don't need to prune for height. Instead, prune for light penetration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Bowl\" Shape: \u003c\/strong\u003eEven at 5 feet tall, you want the center of the tree to be clear. Remove any small, twiggy branches growing straight up or inward toward the trunk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThinning the Clusters: \u003c\/strong\u003eNecta Zees tend to produce \"clusters\" of fruiting wood. If three reddish shoots are growing from the same spot, prune out the middle one to give the other two room to breathe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u003cstrong\u003e Identifying Fruiting Wood: \u003c\/strong\u003eNecta Zees fruit on one-year-old wood (growth from last summer).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Look: \u003c\/strong\u003eLook for the bright reddish-pink stems. The older wood will be a duller grey-brown.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cut: \u003c\/strong\u003eShorten these reddish shoots by about one-third. Always cut just above a bud that is facing away from the center of the tree. This \"trains\" the new growth to spread outward rather than inward.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Two-Finger\" Fruit Thinning (Critical): \u003c\/strong\u003eThis is the most important \"pruning\" task for a Necta Zee. Because the tree is small and the fruit is large, an un-thinned tree will produce hundreds of tiny, flavorless nectarines that may snap the dwarf branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Because the Necta Zee has very short internodes, the fruit clusters together tightly. This can lead to 6 or 7 nectarines growing in a space only 3 inches long. To ensure each fruit reaches a \"medium-to-large\" size (rather than the size of a cherry), remove enough fruit so that there is 6 inches (about a hand-span) between each nectarine. Needs to be done around April.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe \"No-Touch\" Rule:\u003c\/strong\u003e If two nectarines are touching, remove one. Nectarines have smooth skin; if they rub against each other in the wind, they develop \"scabs\" or rot, which ruins their storage life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING OVERVIEW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Goal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,1,0,0\"\u003eDormant Pruning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,1,1,0\"\u003eLate Winter (Jan\/Feb)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,1,2,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,1,2,0\"\u003eAirflow.\u003c\/span\u003e Remove 30–40% of the dense interior wood to prevent fungal rot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,2,0,0\"\u003eThinning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,2,1,0\"\u003eApril (Fruit is nickel-sized)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,2,2,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,2,2,0\"\u003eSize \u0026amp; Quality.\u003c\/span\u003e Remove 75% of the fruit so the remaining nectarines can reach full size.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,3,0,0\"\u003eCleanup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,3,1,0\"\u003ePost-Harvest (July)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,3,2,0\"\u003eSanitation.\u003c\/span\u003e Remove any \"mummy\" fruit or crossing branches that grew during spring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":46874553974952,"sku":null,"price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/files\/Nectarine_Necta_Zee_Drawing.png?v=1767664726"},{"product_id":"nectarine-miniature-2n1","title":"Nectarine Miniature 2N1","description":"","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":46874662600872,"sku":null,"price":61.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/files\/9D313BDE-0D5D-4E14-9B6E-4281C90F0C2D.jpg?v=1714089785"},{"product_id":"nectarine-garden-delight","title":"Nectarine Garden Delight","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e \/* This targets the table and the cells inside it *\/ table, td { border: 1px solid #444444; \/* Dark gray border *\/ border-collapse: collapse; \/* This merges the double lines into one clean line *\/ } \/* Adding some padding so the text isn't touching the borders *\/ td { padding: 10px; } \u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe\u003cstrong\u003e Nectarine Garden Delight \u003c\/strong\u003eis a \"genetic dwarf\" variety, meaning its compact stature is bred into its DNA rather than achieved through pruning or grafting alone. It provides a full-sized harvest on a tree that fits comfortably on a patio or in a small garden bed. Despite the tree's small size, the nectarines are large and high-quality. They feature yellow flesh with a sweet, classic nectarine flavor and are \u003cstrong\u003efreestone\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning the pit pulls away easily when sliced. In early spring, the tree is highly ornamental, covered in a dense explosion of double pink blossoms. Because of its compact growth, the flowers are packed tightly together, creating a \"floral pillar\" effect. The Garden Delight is a popular choice for home gardeners with limited space, as it thrives equally well in the ground or in large patio containers. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"left\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 364.125px;\"\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 27.2025%;\" width=\"179\"\u003e \u003ccol style=\"width: 72.7975%;\" width=\"445\"\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cem class=\"eujQNb\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003ePrunus persica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem class=\"eujQNb\" data-processed=\"true\"\u003enucipersica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 'Garden Delight'\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 185.156px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 185.156px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage: \u003cspan\u003eDeciduous\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 185.156px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves: \u003c\/strong\u003eDense and elongated. Dark green, lance-shaped leaves with finely serrated edges. Because it is a dwarf, the internodes (space between leaves) are very short, creating a lush, \"tufted\" appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Showy Pink. Large, fragrant, single-petal blossoms that cover the branches in early spring. It is highly ornamental during the bloom phase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit: \u003c\/strong\u003eLarge \u003cstrong\u003eFreestone\u003c\/strong\u003e. Smooth, fuzz-less skin with a bright red blush over a yellow-gold background. The flesh is yellow, firm, and exceptionally sweet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single Pit (Stone). A large, deeply pitted brown stone in the center. As a \"freestone,\" the flesh separates easily from the pit when ripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBark: \u003c\/strong\u003eSmooth to Fissured. Reddish-brown and smooth when young, developing greyish tones and slight horizontal lenticels (breathing pores) as it matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 36.5938px;\"\u003e4-6 feet; Extremely manageable for hand harvesting without a ladder. \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width (Spread)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e4-6 feet; Typically grows in a symmetrical, globe-like shape. \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlow to Moderate. Focuses energy on fruit production and dense foliage rather than vertical height. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zone\/Chill Hours\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"height: 35.5938px;\"\u003eZone 5-8; It requires approximately 500-600 chill hours, making it highly reliable for many Southern and coastal regions. \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePLANT CARE \u0026amp; CHARACTERISTICS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eFull Sun.\u003c\/em\u003e Requires 8+ hours of direct sunlight. Because the canopy is so dense, high light is essential to prevent internal \"die-back.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eModerate to High.\u003c\/em\u003e Requires consistent, deep watering to keep soil evenly moist, especially when developing fruit, but they will not tolerate standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDrought Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow to Moderate.\u003c\/em\u003e It does not tolerate \"bone-dry\" soil well. Prolonged drought will cause the fruit to shrivel and drop prematurely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePrefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Excellent for high-quality potting mixes if container-grown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow.\u003c\/em\u003e The low-hanging fruit and tender, dense foliage are highly accessible and attractive to deer. Protective fencing, netting, or deer-repellent spray is recommended in high-pressure areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePest\/Disease Resistance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eModerate.\u003c\/em\u003e Like all nectarines (which lack the protective \"fuzz\" of peaches), it is more susceptible to \u003cstrong\u003eBrown Rot \u003c\/strong\u003eand \u003cstrong\u003ePeach Leaf Curl. \u003c\/strong\u003eTo help combat Brown Rot, thin out some of the interior leaves in early summer to let air circulate through the center of the canopy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003ePollination:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSelf-Fertile\u003c\/em\u003e. Does not require a second tree to produce fruit, though it benefits from the presence of other stone fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMid-to-Late Summer.\u003c\/em\u003e Typically ripens in \u003cem\u003eJuly or August\u003c\/em\u003e, depending on the local climate and chill hour accumulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYIELD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eIt is classified as a heavy bearer. Despite its small stature, it is known for producing a high volume of fruit relative to its branch surface area. Unlike many dwarf varieties that produce \"snack-sized\" fruit, Garden Delight produces large, full-sized nectarines (roughly the size of a standard grocery store nectarine).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTree Age\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity Stage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYield (lbs)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimated Fruit Count\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,1,0,0\"\u003eYear 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,1,1,0\"\u003eEstablishment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,1,2,0\"\u003e0 lbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,1,3,0\"\u003e0 (Remove any early blooms)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,2,0,0\"\u003eYear 2\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,2,1,0\"\u003ePre-Maturity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,2,2,0\"\u003e2 – 5 lbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,2,3,0\"\u003e5 – 15 nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,3,0,0\"\u003eYear 3\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,3,1,0\"\u003eYoung Bearing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,3,2,0\"\u003e10 – 20 lbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,3,3,0\"\u003e30 – 60 nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,4,0,0\"\u003eYear 4\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,4,1,0\"\u003eNear Maturity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,4,2,0\"\u003e25 – 40 lbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,4,3,0\"\u003e75 – 120 nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"3,5,0,0\"\u003eYear 5+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,5,1,0\"\u003eFull Maturity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,5,2,0\"\u003e40 – 65 lbs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"3,5,3,0\"\u003e120 – 200+ nectarines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE\/SHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 88.5329%; height: 97.969px;\" data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.434%; text-align: center; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTORAGE METHOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.566%; text-align: center; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHELF LIFE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.434%; height: 19.5938px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0,0\"\u003eCountertop \u003c\/b\u003e(Room Temperature 68-72°F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.566%; text-align: center; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,1,2,0\"\u003e2 – 5 days\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.434%; height: 19.5938px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0,0\"\u003eRefrigerator \u003c\/b\u003e(32-39°F) in a crisper drawer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.566%; text-align: center; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,2,2,0\"\u003e1 – 2 weeks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.434%; text-align: center; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"\u003eFreezer: \u003c\/b\u003eSlice \u0026amp; Pitted\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0,0\"\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.566%; text-align: center; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,3,2,0\"\u003e8 – 12 months\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 61.434%; text-align: center; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0,0\"\u003eDehydrated: \u003c\/b\u003eSliced thin \u0026amp; Dried\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 38.566%; text-align: center; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-index-in-node=\"0\" data-path-to-node=\"4,4,2,0\"\u003e6 – 12 months\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandling and Ripening Stages\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Check\" Stage: \u003c\/strong\u003eHarvest Garden Delight nectarines when they are firm but have lost their \"grassy\" green undertone. The skin should be mostly yellow and red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. \u003cstrong\u003eRoom Temperature: \u003c\/strong\u003eIf they are still firm, leave them on the counter. Do not wash them until you are ready to eat, as moisture on the skin can encourage mold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Give\" Test: \u003c\/strong\u003eOnce the fruit has a slight \"give\" when gently squeezed and smells fragrant, it is at peak sugar content. Eat immediately or move to the fridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003eCold Storage: \u003c\/strong\u003eTo prevent the fruit from shriveling in the fridge, place them in a perforated plastic bag. This maintains humidity while allowing the fruit to \"breathe.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreservation Tips for High Yields\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause a mature Garden Delight can drop 50 or more pounds of fruit in a single 2-3 week window, you may need these long-term options\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFreezing: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis is the best way to preserve the flavor for smoothies or baking. Peel (optional), slice, and toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning before freezing in a single layer on a tray.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCanning: \u003c\/strong\u003eSince these are freestone, the pit pops out easily, making them much faster to prep for jams or syrups than \"clingstone\" varieties.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid the \"Mealy\" Zone: \u003c\/strong\u003eAvoid storing nectarines between 2°C and 10°C for long periods if they aren't fully ripe; this temperature range can sometimes cause the texture to become mealy rather than juicy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming: The Best Window\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLate Winter\/Early Spring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune while the tree is still dormant, just before the buds begin to swell. This is the best time to see the structure of the branches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer Thinning:\u003c\/strong\u003e A light \"cleanup\" in July can help remove vigorous water sprouts (straight vertical shoots) that shade the developing fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecialized Care for Dwarf Varietes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe \"Puffball\" Effect: \u003c\/strong\u003eBecause Garden Delight is so compact, it can quickly turn into a dense \"puffball\" of foliage. You should be able to see through the canopy. If it's too thick, the inner leaves will yellow and drop, and the fruit in the center won't sweeten.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAirflow is Key:\u003c\/strong\u003e Since nectarines are prone to brown rot and leaf curl, keeping the branches spaced out is your best defense. Aim for at least \u003cstrong\u003e4 to 6 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e of space between main fruiting lateral branches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Three Main Goals of Pruning Your Nectarine Garden Delight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. \u003cstrong\u003eOpen the Center: \u003c\/strong\u003eUse an \"Open Center\" or \"Vase\" shape. This allows sunlight to reach the middle of the tree, which is vital for ripening the fruit and preventing fungal issues like peach leaf curl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.\u003cstrong\u003e Remove the \"3 Ds\":\u003c\/strong\u003e Always cut out any Dead, Damaged, or Diseased wood first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eEncourage New Wood: \u003c\/strong\u003eNectarines fruit on one-year-old wood (the reddish-colored growth from last summer). If you don't prune, the tree will only fruit on the very tips of the branches, leaving the center bare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRUNING OVERVIEW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Do It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThinning Cuts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,1,1,0\"\u003eRemove entire branches back to the main trunk or a larger limb.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,1,2,0\"\u003eReduces crowding and opens the \"vase\" for airflow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHeading Cuts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,2,1,0\"\u003eCut a branch back by about \u003cspan class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"1\/3\" data-index-in-node=\"27\"\u003e1\/3\u003c\/span\u003e of its length, just above an outward-facing bud.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,2,2,0\"\u003eStimulates new fruiting wood for next year's harvest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eClear the Base\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,3,1,0\"\u003eRemove any \"suckers\" growing from the rootstock below the graft union.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,3,2,0\"\u003ePrevents the non-fruiting rootstock from taking over the tree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDetail Pruning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,4,1,0\"\u003eOn a dwarf tree, thin out small, spindly twigs that are thinner than a pencil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan data-path-to-node=\"10,4,2,0\"\u003eThese branches are too weak to support the weight of a full-sized nectarine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Tip: \u003c\/strong\u003eAfter pruning, it is an excellent time to apply a dormant spray (like a copper-based fungicide or horticultural oil). This protects the fresh cuts and helps prevent common nectarine pests and diseases before the leaves emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":46874671874216,"sku":null,"price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/files\/Nectarine_Garden_Delight_Drawing.png?v=1767801437"},{"product_id":"nectarine-desert-delight","title":"Nectarine Desert Delight","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nectarine Desert Delight is a deciduous fruit tree prized for its sweet and juicy nectarines. Like other nectarine varieties, it is very similar to peaches, but with smooth skin instead of fuzzy. The fruit typically has a deep orange-red skin and firm, succulent flesh. The flavor is sweet and aromatic, making it ideal for fresh eating, baking, canning, or making preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e The size of a Nectarine Desert Delight tree can vary depending on factors such as growing conditions, pruning, and rootstock. Generally, nectarine trees can reach a height of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) and a spread of about 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.5 meters) when mature. Some varieties may be available in dwarf or semi-dwarf forms, which are smaller and more suitable for smaller gardens or container growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBest Growing Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nectarine trees, including Desert Delight, thrive in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9. They prefer regions with warm summers and mild winters. These trees require a certain number of chilling hours (typically between 200 to 1000 hours below 45°F or 7°C) during the winter dormancy period to ensure proper fruit set. They perform best in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSoil Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nectarine trees prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. They do best in soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Before planting, it's beneficial to amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility, drainage, and structure. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and maintains even soil temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Proper care and maintenance are essential for healthy growth and fruit production. Prune the tree annually during the dormant season to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, as well as to shape the canopy and encourage airflow. Water regularly, especially during dry periods and when the tree is fruiting, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the tree annually with a balanced fertilizer formulated for fruit trees, following the manufacturer's instructions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":47057685643432,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0517\/8359\/8248\/files\/7829b89a-bb53-49a8-a256-06574bd7aee9.png?v=1772198914"},{"product_id":"nectarine-surecrop","title":"Nectarine Surecrop","description":"\u003cp\u003eNectarine Surecrop\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Texas Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":47583118590120,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/texastreefarms.com\/collections\/nectarines.oembed","provider":"Texas Tree Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}