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Growing Nectarine

It is useful to have the tree planted in a lawn because then sheets or clothes can be laid under the tree on to which the fruit can drop when fully ripe.
It is important to mulch where the drainage is perfect, because one cannot water once the fruit is set or split stones result. Those who dislike straw mulching, or grassing down, do so because it increases the frost risk. It is curious the way that damage can be done to peaches early in May by frosts, though the peaches normally flower early in April.
It must be said, on the other hand, that peaches are not very particular as to soil and I had grown them on heavy clay, and has seen them being successfully grown on both limestone and gravel soils. The great thing is perfect drainage, plus a certain amount of lime. Provide shelter from icy blasts and be sure to choose your spot well above the normal frost level.
Opinions differ greatly as to whether it is better in this country to grow trees on their own roots, on peach stocks or on plum stocks. The latter were, of course, used for many years by the nurseryman for trained trees which were to be planted in greenhouses. It is said that the Brompton Stock produces the largest tree whereas the Common Mussel Stock produces a much smaller tree. The truth is that we don't know enough about stocks at the moment, especially as different varieties undoubtedly behave differently on the various stocks mentioned.
A nectarine may be referred to as a smooth-skinned type of peach. It does, however, seem to need more water than the peach while the fruits are swelling. If the roots get dry at this time the nectarines split.
Several choice varieties of nectarines are Early Rivers. Probably the best early nectarine-a greenish yellow covered with brilliant scarlet. Flesh tender, juicy and rich flavoured. Season mid-July; Elruge. One of the hardiest of the nectarines and so very popular. Bears greenish white fruits with a purplish red flush. These are delicately perfumed. Season late Aug; Humboldt. A very beautiful variety both when in bloom and when the fruit is ripening. A later flowerer and so useful in frosty spots. Fruits orange with a deep crimson flush. Flesh juicy, tender and golden. Season mid-Aug; Joini Rivers. Probably the earliest of the outdoor nectarines. Produces large fruits, golden yellow colour coupled with darker stripes of a crimson flush. Season mid-July; Lord Napier. A great favourite of mine because it is a regular cropper, producing large, extremely delicious rich-flavoured fruits. These are pale yellow with a deep browny, crimson flush. Season early Aug; Pineapple. Only recommended for the southern and southwestern gardens. The fruits are large, greeny yellow with a crimson- red flush. The flesh is melting and has a slight pineapple flavour. Season early Sept; Violette Hative. One of the oldest varieties known which my French friends claim is the best. The nectarine is smaller than any other of the varieties and with a good flavour. It should do well in the south and south-west. Season mid.-Aug.