Harvesting Nectarine Trees
Are you ready to enjoy delicious homegrown fruit? Harvest is the time to enjoy the results of your hard work. Keep a few things in consideration as you reap the fruits of your labor: the best time to pick the fruit from your tree, and how to store the fruit.
NOTE: This is part 11 in a series of 11 articles. For a complete background on how to grow nectarine trees, we recommend starting from the beginning.
Nectarine trees will start bearing fruit in 2-4 years under normal growing conditions with proper maintenance and care.
When to Harvest
Pick these fruits at the last minute, when they’re ripe and ready to enjoy. A gentle twist will loosen all fruits that are ready.
Harvest season begins July thru September depending on the variety and location. Annual average yield per tree:
- Miniature, 1-2 peck
- Dwarf, 3-4 bushels
- Standard, 6-10 bushels
Storage
Store at room temperature for a day, to bring out the finest flavor.