Why Do Nectarines Fall off the Tree?

The tree will naturally drop any immature fruit that was not properly pollinated or are diseased. While nectarines and peaches both produce fruit without needing a second tree for pollination, only a percentage of the blooms on the tree set fruit, and those that do not will fall off with the natural fruit drop.

How do you prevent premature fruit from dropping?

To avoid fruit drop as a result of overbearing, we recommend thinning the young fruit before the tree drops it. In general, it is best to leave 4-6 inches between each fruit and break up any clusters that may form. You may use small, sharp pruners to remove the fruit or simply pluck it off with your fingers.

How often should you water a nectarine tree?

Once every 10 days or two weeks is plenty. Worse than dry, thirsty roots is waterlogged, drowning roots. Although a little depression in the soil aids summer watering, it's important to bring the soil around the tree up to the level of the surrounding soil for the winter.