Nectarine - Mericrest, P. persica var. nucipersica 'Mericrest', has mild, slightly tangy freestone fruit and it resists brown rot and leaf spot. Mericrest bears in just 2-3 years and is a juicy freestone with red-blushed golden skin. Ripening by mid to late August, this tree is considered the hardiest of nectarines. It is a delightfully decorative tree and will produce frilly pink blossoms in the spring.
Nectarines, like peaches, require well-drained soil and a regular fertilizing program. The nectarine fruit is a variety of the peach tree. Nectarines and peaches are similar in appearance and color as they differ only by a single gene, the gene for skin texture. The peach is dull and fuzzy while the nectarine is smooth and shiny. Nectarines contain a good amount of vitamins A and C. This tree can be kept to any height by summer pruning.