Necta Zee Patio Nectarine Tree

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and as deep. Place the tree in the center of the hole so that the top of the rootball is level with the soil. Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost. Spread a 3" layer of mulch 3 feet around the tree, pulling the mulch back a few inches from the trunk. Water deeply after planting.

2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Once established, water deeply during periods of dry weather or drought.

3. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or crossing branches to promote better air circulation and sunlight penetration throughout the tree.

4. Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring to support healthy growth. Follow up with a mid-summer application to encourage fruit development, but avoid over-fertilizing as this can hinder fruit production.

5. Container Growth: Choose a container that is 2–3" larger in diameter than the nursery pot the tree arrives in. Ensure the container has drainage holes and use a standard potting mix with compost. When watering, saturate the entire rootball and allow the top 2" of soil to dry before watering again. During periods of prolonged heat, move the tree into afternoon shade to help conserve moisture and reduce heat stress. Fertilize using a fruit tree fertilizer or balanced fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers will need to be applied more frequently than granular fertilizers. Stop fertilizing 6 weeks before your frost date. In Zones 6 and 7, move the container peach tree into a shed or garage for winter, which will help protect the roots from cold exposure.