Dwarf nectarine tree for zone 8b?

[frdnicholas]

I would like to get a dwarf nectarine tree and was wondering which type would do well in Southeast Coastal Georgia. Has anyone grown one for this zone? Thanks.

 

[Chuck]

It all depends on how many chill hours your area receives as to which variety to get. Basically, a nectarine is just a peach with no fuzz and Georgia has a lot of peaches so it should do very well.

 

[Marck]

When selecting a dwarf nectarine or any dwarf fruit tree. You will want to distinguish between genetic dwarf trees and trees that are dwarfed due to a dwarfing rootstock. Both options have merit, but genetic dwarf trees will often remain smaller than rootstock dwarf trees. Also rootstock dwarfs will need to be pruned yearly to maintain their smaller size. Genetic fruit trees often only need occasional corrective pruning.

Three genetic dwarf cultivars of Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) that I am aware of are 'Arctic Babe', Garden Delight', and 'Golden Prolific', but there are doubtlessly others to consider.

Prunus domestica 'St Julien' is actually a plum rootstock, but it is also a rootstock that is commonly used to make standard peach and nectarine cultivars behave as semi-dwarf trees.

For more in-depth information, consult with the University of Georgia Agricultural Extension (https://extension.uga.edu/) to find out more about preferred nectarine cultivars and cultural practices for your region.

 

[Meadowlark]

The Leprechaun Dwarf Nectarine variety is a good one that needs 900 chilling hours which 8b locations, mine included, generally provide.

 

[frdnicholas]

Leprechaun dwarf is the one I found at a reasonable price from Willis Orchard here in Georgia. We've ordered from them before and have been really pleased with what they sent us.