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Nectarine Trees for Cold Locations
Northern gardeners yearning for homegrown nectarines are wise to stick with varieties that show proven cold- and bud-hardiness.
For many northern gardeners, homegrown nectarine fruits remain a distant hope. Known as stone-fruit trees due to their fruits' hard, stony pits, nectarines (Prunus persica var. nectarina and Prunus persica var. nucipersica) have traditionally been limited to moderate climates from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. Warm-climate breeding programs have stretched the trees' upper limits into USDA zone 10, but they've left many northern nectarine lovers in the cold.
Cold-hardiness of roots, trunks and branches isn’t the only consideration for nectarines in cold locations. Even when the trees survive cold winters, late-spring frosts can ruin their buds or blossoms that would yield fruits. Canadian and other cold-climate nectarine breeders, however, have developed some cold-hardy, bud-hardy nectarines well-suited to northern climates.
Tip
All nectarines are considered self-fruitful trees, which don't require cross-pollination by another variety to bear fruits. Planting more than one nectarine variety, however, generally results in larger harvests and better-quality fruit.
Cold-Climate Standouts
Among the nectarines that tolerate USDA zone 5 winters are some varieties that shine for their bud-hardiness and resilience to winter-weather conditions by teaming cold-hardiness with late blooms times or frost-resistant buds, blooms and fruits. Nectarines for cold-weather gardens include several hardy varieties:
'Harko' nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina 'Harko,' USDA zones 5 through 9) was developed in Canada and blooms late in the season with large, pink blooms. The cultivar is known for its disease resistance, cold-hardiness and fruits' flavor. The fruits ripen in midsummer.
'Independence' nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina 'Independence,' USDA zones 5 through 9) produces dependably in early to midsummer with sweet, red-skinned, yellow-fleshed fruits. It has excellent cold and frost tolerance.
'Mericrest' nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina 'Mericrest,' USDA zones 5 through 9) blooms late and fruits reliably, even after frigid winters. This very cold- and frost-hardy tree bears large, red-skinned, yellow-fleshed fruits in the middle of the nectarine fruit season.
'Hardired' nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina 'Hardired,' USDA zones 5 through 8) is a Canadian introduction that is a mainstay of Canadian nectarine breeding programs. It bears heavy crops of red-skinned, yellow-fleshed fruits, and it's known for exceptional disease resistance, dependability and ease of care.
'AC Harflame' nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina 'AC Harflame,' USDA zones 5 through 9), a Canadian introduction, is known for outstanding cold-hardiness and disease resistance. Its yellow-skinned fruits are heavily blushed with red, and it is a popular commercial variety.
'Flavortop' nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina 'Flavortop,' USDA zones 5 through 9) bears large, yellow fruits brushed with red and known for their smooth, firm texture. Although cold-hardy, this variety benefits from a protected location with limited exposure to cold winter winds to protect its fragrant, soft-pink blooms.
'Red Gold' nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina 'Red Gold,' USDA zones 5 through 9) features red-blushed, yellow-skinned fruits known for excellent storage life and firmness. It offers bright-pink spring flowers and midsummer harvests.
Fruit-Promoting, Cold-Climate Culture
Nectarines are among the most cold-sensitive stone-fruit trees. Enhance their cold-hardiness and promote prolific fruit crops by providing them with cold-climate care:
Plant nectarine trees in full-sun locations, which receive a minimum of six
to eight hours of direct sun exposure each day. Full sun encourages better flowering and
more fruits.
Choose a site with well-drained soil on a sloping hillside
or other elevated area for the trees. Cold air will drain downward, toward low spots, and stay away from the trees' buds and blooms.
Avoid fall pruning. Late-season trimming can inhibit dormancy, create vulnerable new growth and leave the trees with less winter
resilience.
By planting cold-climate nectarine varieties and giving them the extra protective care they need, northern gardeners can enjoy homegrown nectarine fruits and a sweet victory over cold winters.
