Mericrest Nectarine Tree

A Top Choice for Northern Growers

Large yields of freestone fruit
Ripens in mid to late August
Disease-resistant variety

Produces plenty of attractive, dark red, smooth-skinned fruits with firm yellow fresh and a mild, slightly tangy flavor. This freestone variety is excellent for eating fresh and cans well too. Ripens in mid to late August. One of the hardiest nectarine varieties available, Mericrest can take temperature to -14 degrees F. without loss of crop. Resistant to brown rot and leaf spot. Requires 800 chill hours. Self-pollinating, but produces even larger yields with another peach or nectarine variety. Zones 5-8.

Why buy a Deluxe package - Deluxe fruit trees include 2 oz. of Fruit-Boost™ Pelletized Calcium to enhance fruit quality, 12 oz. bag of Fruit Tree Food Starter Formula, easy-to-use tree ties (see video below), a premium tree guard to protect the trunk from gnawing pests, mowers and weed trimmers.

NOTE: We are unable to ship our trees to PO Boxes at this time.

Videos

Spring 2025 Shipping Schedule
ZONE	Fruit Trees
3A-4A	3/24/25 - 6/6/25
4B	3/24/25 - 6/6/25
5A	3/10/25 - 6/6/25
5B	2/24/25 - 6/6/25
6A	2/23/25 - 6/6/25
6B	2/23/25 - 5/30/25
7A	2/3/25 - 5/30/25
7B	2/3/25 - 5/30/25
8A & B	2/4/25 - 5/9/25
9A & B	2/4/25 - 5/9/25
10A & B	2/4/25 - 5/9/25
Last Order Date	Zones 3A-7B: 6/2/25 Zones 8A-10B: 5/5/25

Spring 2025 Shipping Schedule

ZONE

Fruit Trees

3A-4A

3/24/25 - 6/6/25

3/10/25 - 6/6/25

2/24/25 - 6/6/25

2/23/25 - 6/6/25

2/23/25 - 5/30/25

2/3/25 - 5/30/25

8A & B

2/4/25 - 5/9/25

9A & B

2/4/25 - 5/9/25

10A & B

2/4/25 - 5/9/25

Last Order Date

Zones 3A-7B: 6/2/25
Zones 8A-10B: 5/5/25

Spring 2025 Shipping Schedule
ZONE	Fruit Trees
3A-4A	3/24/25 - 6/6/25
4B	3/24/25 - 6/6/25
5A	3/10/25 - 6/6/25
5B	2/24/25 - 6/6/25
6A	2/23/25 - 6/6/25
6B	2/23/25 - 5/30/25
7A	2/3/25 - 5/30/25
7B	2/3/25 - 5/30/25
8A & B	2/4/25 - 5/9/25
9A & B	2/4/25 - 5/9/25
10A & B	2/4/25 - 5/9/25
Last Order Date	Zones 3A-7B: 6/2/25 Zones 8A-10B: 5/5/25

Spring 2025 Shipping Schedule

ZONE

Fruit Trees

3A-4A

3/24/25 - 6/6/25

3/10/25 - 6/6/25

2/24/25 - 6/6/25

2/23/25 - 6/6/25

2/23/25 - 5/30/25

2/3/25 - 5/30/25

8A & B

2/4/25 - 5/9/25

9A & B

2/4/25 - 5/9/25

10A & B

2/4/25 - 5/9/25

Last Order Date

Zones 3A-7B: 6/2/25
Zones 8A-10B: 5/5/25

Botanical Name: Prunus persica 'Mericrest'
Height: Standard: 16 feet. Reachables: 6-8 feet. Reachables tree heights will vary some based on location, soil, light, temperature, and other environmental factors.
Spacing:Standard: 16 feet. Reachables: 8-12 feet.
Depth:Locate the planting depth indicator, the marked line above the tree's root system. The graft should be about 2 inches above the soil surface.
Spread:Standard: 18 feet
Light Required:Full Sun
Pollinator:Self-pollinating, yields better with another peach or nectarine variety.
Yield: Standard: Approximately 3-6 bushels at maturity. Reachables: 3/4 - 1 bushel.
Size: 2-4 Ft
Blooms: Mid Spring, Late Spring
Fruit: Mild, slightly tangy freestone fruit with dark redskin and golden flesh.
Zone: 5-8

Form: Fruit Tree, Fruit, Nectarine, Standard Nectarine Tree
Flower Form: 1-inch, pink blossoms.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile, organic soil.
Growth Rate: Medium growth rate.
Pruning: Nectarine trees need to be pruned to optimize fruit production and allow light into the tree. Most home gardeners do not prune their trees enough. Pruning encourages new growth and shapes the tree. Prune nectarines hard, removing most of the previous year's growth. Fruit will be produced on the previous year's wood, so leave enough to ensure a good crop, but not overburden the tree. Removing interior branches opens up the tree and allows sunlight to penetrate to lower branches.
Foliage: Dark green, long narrow leaves.

Botanical Name: Prunus persica 'Mericrest'
Height: Standard: 16 feet. Reachables: 6-8 feet. Reachables tree heights will vary some based on location, soil, light, temperature, and other environmental factors.
Spacing:Standard: 16 feet. Reachables: 8-12 feet.
Depth:Locate the planting depth indicator, the marked line above the tree's root system. The graft should be about 2 inches above the soil surface.
Spread:Standard: 18 feet
Light Required:Full Sun
Pollinator:Self-pollinating, yields better with another peach or nectarine variety.
Yield: Standard: Approximately 3-6 bushels at maturity. Reachables: 3/4 - 1 bushel.
Size: Standard Deluxe
Blooms: Mid Spring, Late Spring
Fruit: Mild, slightly tangy freestone fruit with dark redskin and golden flesh.
Zone: 5-8

Form: Fruit Tree, Fruit, Nectarine, Standard Nectarine Tree
Flower Form: 1-inch, pink blossoms.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile, organic soil.
Growth Rate: Medium growth rate.
Pruning: Nectarine trees need to be pruned to optimize fruit production and allow light into the tree. Most home gardeners do not prune their trees enough. Pruning encourages new growth and shapes the tree. Prune nectarines hard, removing most of the previous year's growth. Fruit will be produced on the previous year's wood, so leave enough to ensure a good crop, but not overburden the tree. Removing interior branches opens up the tree and allows sunlight to penetrate to lower branches.
Foliage: Dark green, long narrow leaves.