Nectarine, Nectacot, & Apricot Trees

Nectarine, Nectacot, & Apricot Trees For Sale by Gurney's

At Gurney's, we know the joy of growing, harvesting and eating your own homegrown fruits. We're always on the lookout for the best-tasting apricot, nectarine and nectacot varieties that also are easy to grow, produce good yields and bear attractive fruits. We offer both standard-sized and dwarf fruit trees, including many Reachables varieties that are best for smaller spaces.

Choosing The Right Apricot, Nectacot, and Nectarine Tree Varieties

When selecting apricots, nectacot and nectarine trees for sale, first, make sure the variety is suitable for your grow zone. These stone fruits can be grown in a wide area of the United States. A few varieties will grow as far north as Zone 4. Others are more suitable for Southern gardens and will grow in Zones 8 and 9.

Next, consider your garden space. While standard-sized trees usually produce the most fruit, they also take up the most space. Dwarf fruit trees, such as our Reachables varieties, can produce full-sized fruits but take up less space. Reachables trees are also easier to prune and harvest.

Check the tree's pollination requirements. Some fruit trees are self-pollinating while others require another fruit tree for pollination.

Consider whether you want clingstone or freestone fruits. With clingstone fruit, the flesh clings to the pit; with freestone fruits, the flesh separates easily from the pit.

Getting Started with Nectarine, Nectacot, and Apricot Trees

Like most fruit trees, nectarine, nectacot and apricot trees perform best when planted in full sun and in well-drained soil. Here are some more tips for growing apricot and nectarine trees.

What are Chill Hours?

Chill hours are the number of hours that the temperature stays at 32-45°F after the tree goes dormant in the fall. Chill hours must be met for your tree to bloom, leaf out and thrive. Those living in the South should look for varieties with lower chill hour requirements.

How to Plant Nectarine, Nectacot, & Apricot Trees

Select a space where the tree will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and that has well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is about twice the size of the roots. Fill in dirt around the roots. The tree should be planted so that the graft or bud union is 1-2 inches above the soil, after the soil has settled. Water well. If planting a Reachables tree, stake it at the time of planting. A protective barrier around the trunk will keep rabbits and rodents from damaging the trunk.

How to Properly Pollinate Nectarine, Nectacot, & Apricot Trees

Depending on the variety, the fruit tree may require another tree for pollination. Plant the pollinator tree within 50 feet of your other fruit tree. Some fruit trees are self-pollinating, meaning they don't require another variety for pollination. However, most fruit trees produce even larger yields when planted with another fruit tree variety.

When to Prune Nectarine, Nectacot, & Apricot Trees

The best time to prune apricot, nectacot and nectarine trees is in late winter to early spring.

How to Prune Nectarine, Nectacot, & Apricot Trees

Start by removing crossed or injured limbs and any branches which rub against each other. Don't cut short spurs from the main stem since these bear first fruit. The general rule is to prune less during the juvenile or early years, removing only the limbs that compete with desired limbs.

When Do Nectarine, Nectacot, & Apricot Trees Produce Fruit?

Standard-sized nectacot, apricot and nectarine trees usually bear fruits 3-5 years after planting. Reachables trees bear fruits earlier, sometimes as early as a year after planting. The fruits generally ripen in the summer months. Depending on the variety, it may be early mid or late summer.

Where can you grow apricots, nectacots and nectarines?

Apricots, nectacots and nectarines can be grown in a wide area of the United States. A few varieties will grow as far north as Zone 4. Others are more suitable for Southern gardens and will grow in Zone 9. Before buying, make sure the variety you choose is adaptable to your grow zones.