Prunus persica var.nucipersica 'SILVER PROLIFIC'

Silver Prolific is a dwarf nectarine variety with excellent fruit. It has profusion of usual peach-like, bright pink flowers that are clustered along short branches in a dense plant. The leaves are mid green, semi-glossy, narrowly lanceolate, and not much smaller than those on any other peach tree. Extreme density of leaves on a dwarf crown makes an amazing display.

Fruit is a bit smaller than typical peach fruit off big trees but nonetheless tasty and beautiful. It has dark red, smooth, and glossy skin and juicy flesh of very sweet flavour. It ripens in late summer, usually from late August until September, weather conditions pending. Thanks to its limited size it is ideal for small gardens and to be grown in large pots on balconies and patios. Just make sure the pot is frost-resistant, and do not let the soil dry out completely or, on the other hand, do not overwater it in winter.

As with other peach trees, this one, too, is better to be treated against leaf-curl, though it is not too prone to this disease. As soon as the buds burst treat it with an anti-leaf-curl solution (available in every good garden centre). For organic cultivation we suggest checking the plant for even soil moisture, and mulched but clean soil surface which will help the plant cope with any disease. Once you see curled leaves remove them straight away and fertilize the plant week until new foliage emerges.

Healthy nectarine trees need a sunny and hot spot and some space around them, not cluttered with other plants. They need moist but well-drained, humus rich soil with enough nitrogen. Do not prune this variety. As it is quite small, in case of late spring frost you can easily cover the crown with double layer of white woven fabric to prevent opened flowers from freezing. Hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 12-02-2013