Plant Details

Prunus persica nucipersica

Nectarine

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Prunus persica nucipersica.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Nectarine
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Nectarine
French
  • Nectarine
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Prunus persica nucipersica
Documented nectarine name (RHS): Prunus persica var. nucipersica View name reference ↗

RHS documents this as nectarine. Kew includes the varietal and subspecific nucipersica names in Prunus persica. The nectarine crop identity is retained within that broader peach species.

Sources [2] [3] [4]
Botanical family: Rosaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Prunus (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Nectarine

Plant characteristics

Layer: Fruit tree
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Growth rate: Moderate
Foliage: Deciduous

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 4-8
Soil moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun

Uses

Edible parts:
Fruit, Flowers, Oil, Seed
Edibility rating:
(4)
Medicinal rating:
(3)
Functions:
Adhesive, Dye, Gum, Oil

Description

Fruits - can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried for later use. They are often used in ice cream, pies, jam, and so on. When fully ripe, the fruits are at their best - they are juicy with a delicious taste. Wild trees in the Himalayas produce about 36.5 kg of fruit per year. The fruits of the wild form contain about 5.2% sugar, 2% protein, and 1.6% ash. They contain 2.3 mg of vitamin C per 100 g and are a good source of vitamin A. The fruits of wild peaches have more nutrients than cultivated forms. The size of the fruits varies greatly between different species, and wild forms can grow up to 7 cm in diameter. The fruit contains a seed. Flowers - can be eaten raw or cooked, added to salads, or used as a garnish. They can also be brewed into tea. Distillation of flowers results in a clear liquid that can impart a flavor reminiscent of the seed. Seeds - can be eaten raw or cooked. Do not eat them if they are too bitter, as seeds can contain high concentrations of cyanide. Refer to the above explanation regarding toxicity. A semi-drying oil can be extracted from the seeds. Although the edibility report does not mention it, it is assumed to be edible. Seeds can contain up to 45% oil. A gum can be harvested from the trunk and used for chewing.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 20/08
Harvest ends: 15/09

Crown

Crown shape: Broad pyramidal
Crown density: Dense crown

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical family
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 343710; name ID 2958711; Prunus L.. Family column.

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. Royal Horticultural Society Prunus persica var. nucipersica
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Name heading and taxonomic status; RHS documents this as nectarine. Kew includes the varietal and subspecific nucipersica names in Prunus persica. The nectarine crop identity is retained; a general peach photograph is insufficient.

    Source checked on .

  3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Prunus persica var. nucipersica (L.) C.K.Schneid.
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Taxonomic synonyms or horticultural name section. RHS documents this as nectarine. Kew includes the varietal and subspecific nucipersica names in Prunus persica. The nectarine crop identity is retained; a general peach photograph is insufficient.

    Source checked on .

  4. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Prunus persica (L.) Batsch
    Supports: Taxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Taxonomy: Taxonomic synonyms or horticultural name section. RHS documents this as nectarine. Kew includes the varietal and subspecific nucipersica names in Prunus persica. The nectarine crop identity is retained; a general peach photograph is insufficient.

    Source checked on .