Prunus Flavortop - Nectarine Tree

Prunus persica nucipersa 'Flavortop' is a variety known for being among the most flavourful of all necatrine trees, and is preferred by those who truly want the best. Very vigorous, this Nectarine tree is also very productive and self-fertile. In April it is covered with dark pink flowers, rivaling the most beautiful ornamental trees. In summer, large nectarines with red-orange skin appear, hiding succulent, sweet, and very fine yellow flesh. These fruits can be enjoyed fresh or cooked in desserts or jams. Like the Peach tree, it is susceptible to leaf curl and requires regular treatments starting from late winter. Plant it in a sunny spot, in loose, fertile soil that remains slightly moist in summer.

The Nectarine tree is a member of the large Rosaceae family, which includes most of our fruit trees (Apple trees, Pear trees, Cherry trees, Plum trees). The species name "persica" was given to the peach tree because it was thought to originate from Persia. In reality, all cultivated forms of peach trees are native to northern China. The Nectarine tree, in Latin Prunus persica nucipersa, is the result of a natural mutation of the peach tree that occurred in the 16th century. It is a small, deciduous, hardy tree that can be grown in most temperate regions, with a preference for milder climates: its spring flowering, quite early, can indeed be destroyed by late frosts. Similar to the peach, the nectarine has a smooth and shiny skin, its flesh is yellow or white, but its pit is free, while the pit of the peach adheres to the flesh.

Prunus persica nucipersa 'Flavortop' forms a tree that reaches 6 metres (20 feet) in all directions, or even more, but its dimensions can be contained by regular annual pruning. Many gardeners consider it to be the most flavourful variety, truly deserving its name 'Flavortop'. However it has other advantages as well, because this tree with its upright habit, spreading at the top, is covered with magnificent dark pink flowering  in April. The small single flowers with 5 petals, gathered in clusters on the branches, offer a superb spectacle, worthy of the most beautiful spring blooms of ornamental trees. Moreover it is fragrant, attracting bees that, in passing, ensure pollination. This variety is self-fertile, so it does not require the presence of another tree, but cross-pollination will result in even better fruiting. With Flavortop, fruiting will occur after 3 to 4 years of planting and will reach its maximum between 8 and 12 years.

Nectarines are suitable for both fresh consumption and for preparing desserts or jams. Rich in vitamin C, they pair very well with wine and certain meats, such as duck.

It is important to choose the right location to plant this tree, especially in cooler northern regions, where full sun sheltered from cold winds is essential. The Flavortop Nectarine tree is the variety to prefer if you only plan to plant one! To expand your taste palette, plant Raspberry bushes alongside it, which will give you their delicate fruits at the same time as Flavortop. The other summer star is the Apricot tree, which will delight you with its juicy fruits in July-August. And to spread out the tasting period, what could be better than everbearing strawberries, like the delicious Mariguette, a cross between Mara des Bois and Gariguette that combines the advantages of both parents.