Nectarine cultivation offers four major advantages that make it a preferred choice for farmers. First, it delivers quick results—high yields can be achieved within 2–3 years, which is significantly faster than traditional tree forms that typically take 5–6 years. Second, the yield is high due to the organized planting layout, which ensures even fruit distribution, good air circulation, and optimal light exposure. Third, the quality of nectarines is excellent—fruits are uniform in shape, vibrant in color, and sweet in taste, making them highly marketable. Lastly, the trees are easy to manage, especially dwarf varieties, which simplify pruning, spraying, and overall field maintenance.
**First: Garden Preparation and Planting**
When choosing land for nectarine cultivation, select well-drained soil with good fertility. For open-field planting, plant 333 trees per acre with a spacing of 2 meters between rows and 1 meter between plants. In greenhouses, plant 500 trees per acre with a spacing of 1.8 meters between rows and 0.75 meters between plants. Dig trenches 80 cm wide and 50 cm deep, oriented north-south or east-west. Three to five weeks before planting, mix 5,000 kg of organic manure, 100 kg of superphosphate, and 50 kg of potassium sulfate per mu into the soil. Water the area thoroughly, then create raised beds 1 meter wide and 30 cm high. Before planting, trim the roots of the seedlings and soak them in a 200-times dilution of K84 solution for 2 hours to prevent diseases like peach root knot virus. After watering the seedlings, plant them in holes, fill with fine soil, and level the surface. Cover the area with mulch film to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
**Second: Management in the First Year**
After planting, begin shaping the tree early. Cut the seedling 10 cm above the graft union. Once new branches emerge, select the main branch and remove the rest. When the main branch reaches 20 cm, gently tie it to a bamboo frame and allow one lateral branch every 20 cm. When the lateral branch grows to 30 cm, pinch it back and spread it sideways, securing it to maintain vertical growth. This creates a fishbone-like structure, ensuring even distribution of branches. From germination to early July, focus on promoting growth by applying top-dressing when new shoots reach 5 cm. Use nitrogen-based fertilizers, organic matter, and phosphorus-potassium blends, watering immediately after each application. Spray gibberellic acid (1510-6) every 10–15 days, 2–3 times, to accelerate growth. Mid-July, stop fertilization and hormone application, tilt the trunk at a 45-degree angle, and secure it to the frame without bending the main branch. Apply 15% paclobutrazol or 200 times PBO spray 1–3 times to encourage early flowering. Trim back back branches and distribute lateral branches evenly. In October, apply a final round of organic and phosphorus-based fertilizer to prepare for winter.
**Third: Management During the Fruit-Bearing Period**
Soil management during flowering and fruit expansion involves applying 0.25–0.5 kg of diammonium or compound fertilizer per tree, along with foliar sprays of 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate and photosynthetic micro-fertilizer every 15 days to improve fruit color and quality. Artificial pollination should be done 1–2 days after flowering, preferably between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Thin fruits twice: once during bud emergence and again two weeks after flowering. Remove weak or excess fruits to ensure better quality. After harvest, perform deep tilling and fertilization to replenish nutrients. Prune old fruit-bearing branches to encourage new growth, and continue using paclobutrazol to control growth and promote flower bud development for the next season.
**Fourth: Pest and Disease Control**
Common pests and diseases include peach yellow leaf disease, bacterial spot, aphids, and borers. Prevention is key—remove fallen leaves, stubble, and weeds, and till the soil deeply. Paint trunks white and spray 5°Bé lime sulfur before bud break. To treat peach yellow leaf disease, add 50 kg of ferrous sulfate per acre to organic fertilizer and spray 50% carbendazim WP 600 times plus 25% diflubenzuron 3 suspension 2000 times. For bacterial spot and borer, spray 10% imidacloprid WP 2000 times before and after flowering. From June to July, use 25% diflubenzuron 3 suspension 2000 times and 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder 800 times to control brown rot and leaf miners. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential for healthy, productive nectarine trees.
Kunshan Jieyudeng Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.jerrytape.com