Thinning Out Nectarines – How To Thin Nectarines
If you have a nectarine tree, then you know that they tend to set a lot of fruit. Certain fruit trees set more fruit than the tree can handle --among these are apples, pears, plums, tart cherries, peaches and, of course, nectarines. If you wish to increase the size of fruit, thinning is of paramount importance, so the question is, “How to thin nectarines?”
How to Thin Nectarines
Thinning nectarine trees allows the energy of the tree to go toward selected fruit, engendering larger, healthier fruit. Nectarine fruit thinning also reduces the possibility of breaking a limb due to overly burdened branches. There is another reason for thinning out nectarines: nectarine fruit thinning increases the plant’s ability to produce flower buds for the successive year. To accomplish the second goal when thinning nectarine trees, the thinning must be done early. So how do you go about thinning nectarines? Thin excess nectarines when the fruit is about the size of the end of your little finger. I suppose everyone’s little finger end is a bit different in size, so let’s say about ½ inch (1 cm.) across. There isn’t a quick way to thin nectarines; it must be done by hand, patiently and methodically. Timing will vary according to variety somewhat. Once the fruit has attained a size of between ½ and 1 inch (1-2.5 cm.) in diameter, it goes into a bit of a dormant phase, not gaining in size for a week or so. This is the time to thin the nectarines. Simply select healthy looking fruit and remove others surrounding it, spacing the selected fruit 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) apart to allow them to grow. If the fruit set is overly abundant, you can thin fruit to 10 inches (25 cm.) apart on the branch. Remove damaged fruit first. Next, remove fruit that is at the tip of branches that can potentially drag the limb down due to weight and break it. Start at the tip of a branch and systematically remove fruit. It may seem painful to remove all those young nectarines, but if it helps, keep in mind that only about seven to eight percent of the flowers are needed to set a full crop of fruit. You won’t regret it in the end when you sink your teeth into a big, juicy nectarine.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Amy Grant has been gardening for 30 years and writing for 15. A professional chef and caterer, Amy's area of expertise is culinary gardening.
-
9 Wild Spice Plants To Try: Flavor-Packed Foraging To Spice Up Your Life
If growing spices feels like a hit and miss affair, why not forage for spices growing in the wild? Here are 9 wild spice plants to add a dash of heat to your culinary exploits
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
8 Best Fruit Trees To Plant As Bare Roots In Fall – For The Fastest, Sweetest Harvest
Get a head start on home harvests by planting bare-root fruit trees this fall. Find the best varieties and learn tips for planting and caring for new trees.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Panamint Nectarine Fruit: Caring For Panamint Nectarine Trees
Panamint nectarine trees are very adaptable for home gardens and produce fruit with an excellent flavor. For more information about Panamint nectarine fruit, plus tips on caring for Panamint nectarines, the following article will help.
By Teo Spengler
-
Southern Belle Nectarines: Learn About Southern Belle Tree Care
If you love peaches but don’t have a landscape that can sustain a larger tree, try growing a Southern Belle nectarine. With its fairly diminutive height, the nectarine ‘Southern Belle’ can be container grown easily. Learn more about this fruit tree in the following article.
By Amy Grant
-
Nectar Babe Nectarine Info – Growing A Nectarine ‘Nectar Babe’ Cultivar
According to Nectar Babe nectarine information, these are natural dwarf trees, but grow full-size, luscious fruit. You can start growing Nectar Babe nectarines in containers or in the garden. Click here for info on these unique trees plus tips on planting.
By Teo Spengler
-
Harko Nectarine Care: How To Grow A Harko Nectarine Tree
The Harko nectarine is a Canadian variety high on taste and cold tolerant. If you want to grow this nectarine tree, it’s important to have some facts at your fingertips. Click here for information about growing Harko nectarines and tips about Harko nectarine care.
By Teo Spengler
-
Arctic Rose Nectarine Care: What Is An Arctic Rose Nectarine
If you are considering growing peaches or nectarines in a backyard orchard, Arctic Rose white nectarine is a great place to start. Click on the following article for information about this interesting cultivar, plus tips on Arctic Rose nectarine care.
By Teo Spengler
-
Diseases Of Nectarines: How To Spot Common Nectarine Diseases
Nectarine disease symptoms may not be readily apparent, and you may have to do some serious observation to locate issues. Others are visually evident and not hard to identify. If your nectarine tree is looking or performing differently than in years past, this article can help.
By Becca Badgett
-
Bugs That Eat Nectarines – Tips For Controlling Nectarine Pests In Gardens
Nectarines and peaches are often used interchangeably in cooking. Not surprisingly, both often face the same pests in the garden. Controlling nectarine pests in the home orchard will help to maintain plant vigor and prevent future pest problems. Learn more here.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Nectarine Tree Not Fruiting – How To Get Fruit On Nectarine Trees
Getting no fruit on the nectarine trees? If there are no obvious diseases or insect pests, why is the nectarine tree not fruiting? There are quite a few reasons for a fruitless nectarine tree. Find out how to get fruit on nectarine trees in this article.
By Amy Grant