How to Grow Scarlet Royal Nectarine

Scarlet Royal Nectarine

Prunus persica var. nectarina

fruit

Scarlet Royal is a freestone nectarine variety known for its deep red skin with golden undertones and sweet, juicy flesh. It produces medium to large fruits on a vigorous, semi-dwarf tree that reaches 12-15 feet in height. This cultivar is prized for both fresh eating and excellent flavor, ripening mid-to-late summer.

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Example Scarlet Royal Nectarine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Scarlet Royal Nectarine
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Scarlet Royal Nectarine
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Royal Nectarine dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, minimum 6-8 hours daily; 8+ hours preferred for best fruit quality and sweetness

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Water: Deep, regular watering during growing season (1-2 inches per week); reduce water after fruit set to concentrate sugars. Consistent moisture is critical; avoid drought stress during fruit development

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Spacing: 240 inches

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Days to maturity: 2-3 years from planting to significant fruiting; 4-5 years for full production

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Planting depth: Plant bare-root or container trees at same depth as nursery pot; graft union should be 2 inches above soil line in cold climates, at soil line in warmer areas

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam to loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure at planting Perlite or coarse sand for drainage improvement Balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar)

Growing Zones

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Zones 5-9; best in zones 6-8 where late spring frosts are less problematic

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Dormancy/Winter

December-February (depending on zone)

Tree is leafless and dormant, preparing for spring growth. Buds are visible but not yet swelling.

This is the ideal planting window for bare-root trees. Prune to establish framework (open-center vase shape is ideal). Apply dormant oil spray in late winter to control overwintering pests. Ensure soil is not waterlogged.

Bloom & Flowering

2-3 weeks in March-April

Pink-white flowers appear before leaves. Flowers are self-fertile but benefit from cross-pollination with other nectarine/peach varieties.

Monitor for late spring frosts which can damage flowers and reduce crop. Do not fertilize during bloom. Ensure adequate irrigation if spring is dry. Protect from frost if temperatures drop below 28°F during flowering.

Fruitlet & Fruit Development

4-6 weeks after flowering

Small green fruits develop from pollinated flowers. Trees produce hundreds of tiny fruitlets; natural thinning occurs but thinning by hand is essential.

Thin fruits to 1 fruit every 6-8 inches on branches 3-4 weeks after petal fall. This maximizes remaining fruit size and quality. Continue regular deep watering. Apply balanced fertilizer in late May if trees appear weak.

Fruit Maturation & Ripening

6-8 weeks

Fruits grow larger and transition from green to golden-red skin. Sugar content increases. Fruits develop characteristic fragrant aroma.

Provide consistent irrigation during this stage. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; apply potassium-rich fertilizer if available (supports sweetness). Prune excess foliage carefully to allow dappled light on developing fruits. Begin monitoring for ripeness after 80-90 days from bloom.

Harvest & Post-Harvest

July-August harvest; post-harvest care through September

Fruits reach full ripeness with deep red coloring and golden undertones. Freestone fruits separate cleanly from pit when ripe.

Harvest fruits when they have slight give to pressure but are not mushy. Gently twist and lift to detach from branch. Refrigerate immediately after harvest. After harvest, reduce watering gradually to harden off wood. Prune only lightly until dormancy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Borage Marigolds Nasturtiums Garlic Chives Basil Other stone fruits (peach, plum varieties)

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces juglone toxin) Fennel Potatoes Brassicas in very close proximity

Common Pests

Pheromone traps, mating disruption, pruning affected twigs, insecticide sprays in early summer if needed
Wrap trunk with tree guard, prune out infested wood, apply borer paste in fall, monitor for sawdust-like frass
Dormant oil spray in winter, horticultural oil during growing season, remove heavily infested branches
Hand-pick early morning, use row covers in early season, apply spinosad or neem oil if population is heavy
Shake branches early morning to collect beetles, insecticide applications at petal fall and 10 days after, remove infected fruit

Uses

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Fresh eating and table use

Culinary

Scarlet Royal nectarines are excellent fresh-eating fruits with juicy, sweet flesh. They can be eaten out of hand, sliced into fruit salads, or used in desserts and smoothies. [source]

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Preserves and jams

Culinary

The high pectin and sugar content makes them ideal for making jams, preserves, and chutneys. Excess harvest can be processed for long-term storage. [source]

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Baking and cooking

Culinary

Nectarines work well in pies, tarts, cobblers, and compotes. Their firm texture holds up to cooking better than softer peaches. [source]

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Nutritional and antioxidant benefits

Medicinal

Nectarines are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants including flavonoids. They support immune function and provide dietary fiber. [source]

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Pollinator and wildlife support

Wildlife

Nectarine blossoms attract bees and other pollinators in early spring. Trees also provide foliage and shelter for birds and beneficial insects. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Scarlet Royal nectarines ripen in mid-to-late July through August, depending on zone and growing season. Fruits are ready to harvest when the base color transitions from green to golden-yellow and red-blushed, with skin that yields slightly to gentle pressure. Fully ripe fruits have strong fragrant aroma. Because these are freestone varieties, the fruit should separate cleanly from the pit with slight twisting. Harvest in early morning when fruits are coolest. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Ripe fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For best flavor, consume within 3-5 days of harvest.

Fun Facts

🌱 Nectarines are genetically identical to peaches except for a single recessive gene that gives them smooth skin instead of fuzz; both can appear on the same tree as bud mutations.
🌱 The name 'nectarine' is thought to derive from 'nectar,' the drink of the gods, because of the fruit's exceptional sweetness and juiciness.
🌱 Scarlet Royal and other nectarines have a chilling requirement of 600-900 hours below 45°F in winter; insufficient winter chill will result in poor flowering and light crops.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Pollination Thinning

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