Suncoast Nectarine Tree

The Suncoast Nectarine Tree is an early-ripening Florida nectarine selected for northern and north-central Florida. It produces attractive, smooth-skinned nectarines with bright yellow flesh and a vivid red blush covering most of the yellow skin.

Suncoast has juicy, melting flesh with a pleasantly tart, traditional nectarine flavor. Its colorful fruit is excellent for fresh eating, slicing, preserves, cobblers and homemade desserts.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Prunus persica ‘Suncoast’
• Common Name: Suncoast Nectarine
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
• Origin: University of Florida
• Patent Status: Not patented
• Chill Requirement: Approximately 375 chill hours
• Climate Classification: Moderate-chill nectarine
• Growth Habit: Vigorous and semi-spreading
• Mature Height: Approximately 12–15 feet when maintained
• Mature Width: Approximately 10–15 feet
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Daily Sunlight: At least 6–8 hours
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
• Flower Color: Pink
• Fruit Development Period: Approximately 77 days
• Harvest Season: Early season, generally late April through early May in Gainesville, Florida
• Fruit Size: Medium to large
• Fruit Shape: Slightly oblong without a sharp tip or prominent bulge
• Fruit Skin: Yellow background covered with approximately 80–90% bright red blush
• Flesh Color: Yellow
• Flesh Type: Juicy and melting
• Pit Type: Semi-clingstone
• Flavor: Bright, juicy and pleasantly tart
• Uses: Fresh eating, slicing, fruit salads, preserves, cobblers, pies and desserts

UF/IFAS describes Suncoast as a vigorous, semi-spreading nectarine with yellow melting flesh, a semi-clingstone pit and approximately 77 days from bloom to harvest.

Fruit and Flavor

Suncoast produces colorful nectarines with smooth yellow skin covered by a brilliant red blush. The fruit is slightly oblong and normally develops without a sharp tip or noticeable seam bulge.

The yellow flesh is juicy and melting, giving the fruit a soft, traditional nectarine texture when fully ripe. Its flavor tends to be more tart than some nectarine varieties, making it a good choice for customers who enjoy fruit with a bright, tangy flavor.

Suncoast is a semi-clingstone nectarine. The flesh may remain partially attached to the pit but generally loosens as the fruit becomes fully ripe.

Pollination

Suncoast is self-fertile, so one tree can produce fruit without another nectarine variety nearby.

A second peach or nectarine tree is not required for cross-pollination. Bees and other pollinating insects can still improve flower pollination and overall fruit set. UF/IFAS identifies Florida peach and nectarine cultivars as self-fruitful.

Disease Resistance

Suncoast leaves and fruit have useful resistance to bacterial spot, an important disease of peaches and nectarines in warm, humid climates.

Disease resistance does not mean the tree is immune. Good air circulation, annual pruning, orchard sanitation and properly timed preventive care may still be necessary.

North Florida Growing Note

Suncoast is one of the better nectarine varieties for North Florida. Its requirement of approximately 375 chill hours is well matched to many inland areas of the Florida Panhandle, including the DeFuniak Springs area.

UF/IFAS includes Suncoast among backyard peach and nectarine cultivars for northern, north-central and central Florida. Fruit normally ripens in late April or early May around Gainesville, although North Florida harvest dates will vary with winter chill and spring temperatures.

Plant Suncoast in a sunny, elevated location rather than a low area where cold air settles. Open flowers and developing fruit can still be damaged by a late-winter or early-spring freeze.

Planting and Care

Plant Suncoast in full sun where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.

Choose a location with excellent drainage. Nectarine trees do not tolerate standing water or continuously wet roots. Sandy North Florida soil is suitable when the tree receives consistent water and appropriate nutrition.

Train the tree to an open-center or vase shape with three to four main branches. An open canopy allows sunlight and air to reach the center of the tree and makes harvesting and routine care easier.

Thin young nectarines when they are approximately nickel-sized, leaving about 6–8 inches between fruit. Proper thinning improves fruit size and quality while reducing the risk of branches breaking under a heavy crop.

Prune annually because nectarines produce fruit primarily on wood that grew during the previous season. UF/IFAS recommends maintaining an open-center canopy for Florida peaches and nectarines.

Local Pickup and Limited Shipping

Most plants and trees are available for local pickup at our nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Limited shipping is available for select persimmon trees, liners and smaller plants. Please contact us before ordering if shipping is needed. Shipping charges are separate and are not included in the online price.

Wholesale Availability

Wholesale pricing is available for qualified nurseries and landscapers. Contact Advanced Nursery Growers for current availability and pricing.

Advanced Nursery Growers
1911 McLeod Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Call: 850-391-2228
Email: info@advancednurserygrowers.com