Guide to Growing Peaches / Nectarines

• Peaches and nectarines require a sheltered, south facing position, not in a frost pocket or the early spring blossom will be damaged.
• They can be grown in an unheated greenhouse (they need a period of dormancy so a heated greenhouse is unsuitable).
• Peaches and nectarines can be successfully grown in pots and are ideal for small spaces.

Sowing and Growing

• Peaches and nectarines need to be grown against a warm, south facing wall, or in a sunny, sheltered site. Avoid frost pockets as the frost will damage the blossom.
• They prefer a well-drained, humus rich soil and will not thrive in thin, shallow soil.
• Plant in late autumn to give the trees time to establish.
• Read more in Carol Klein's articles How to Grow, Caring for Peaches and Nectarines and How to Prune.

Harvesting

• The fruits will be ready when they are fully coloured and the flesh close to the stalk is soft.
• Check the fruit regularly as they will not all ripen at the same time.

Pests and Problems

• You will need to proctect the blossom from frost during spring, and the fruit from the birds in summer.
• Peach leaf curl is one of the main diseases affecting the trees. Read how to treat this in Carol Klein's article.

Varieties

• There are many varieties available, including minarettes which can be grown in a container on a sunny patio.
• Read more in Carol Klein's article on Varieties of Peaches and Nectarines.

Eating

• Best eaten straight off the tree, althought they will store in a cool place for a few days. You can pick them slightly underipe and ripen with other fruits in the fruit bowl, but they won't attain the same juicy, sweetness as they do if left on the tree until fully ripe.