Prunus persica nucipersica
Nectarine
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Prunus persica nucipersica.
Common names
3 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
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- Nectarine
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- Nectarine
- French
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- Nectarine
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
Plant characteristics
Growing conditions
Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun
Uses
Fruit, Flowers, Oil, Seed
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
Crown
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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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.
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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 .
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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 .
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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 .