Prunus persica Silver Gem - Nectarine Peach Tree

The Silver Gem® Nectarine Tree is a self-fertile variety, vigorous and highly productive. It produces white-fleshed nectarines, firm, slightly acidic, and very tasty. Its late flowering protects it from spring frosts. With its beautiful pink colour, it will delicately perfume your garden. The fruits are medium to large, with a diameter of about 7 cm (3in), dark red. Harvest takes place at ripeness from early July.

The species name "Persica" was given to the peach, which was thought to originate from Persia. In reality, all cultivated forms originate from northern China. The Nectarine Tree is the result of a natural mutation of the peach that occurred in the 16th century. The Silver Gem® Nectarine Tree is an American mutation of the original Asian peach, obtained in the USA.

Like many fruit trees, the Silver Gem® Nectarine Tree appreciates light, rich, and deep soils. It does not tolerate excess water or heavy and compact soils. It is a vigorous, highly productive, and hardy tree, resistant to temperatures down to -15°C. It is sensitive to bud drop: protect it from the wind! Its semi-spreading habit indicates a tall-trunked tree with many horizontally growing branches, convenient for harvesting. Its deciduous foliage is bright green and emits a slight almond scent. Its leaves are long, from 8 to 15 cm (3 to 6in) in length and 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in width, with a short petiole.
Its flowering, a beautiful white-pink colour and highly fragrant, occurs in April. Despite its resistance to spring frosts, reserve a sunny and sheltered spot for it, especially to counteract its sensitivity to bud drop. The flowers are hermaphroditic and self-fertile.
The fruiting results in medium to large fruits, with a diameter of about 7 cm (3in), dark red. This tree does not require too much maintenance. It tolerates severe pruning but not every year.

Nectarines can be enjoyed raw, cooked, sweet, savory, flambéed, glazed, or deglazed. They pair very well with wine and certain meats, such as duck. They can be found in many recipes, including jams, compotes, pastries.