$119.00
The Sunraycer Nectarine Tree is a productive Florida nectarine known for its large fruit, smooth red-blushed skin and sweet yellow flesh. Developed by the University of Florida, Sunraycer is well suited to North Florida and other areas with mild winters.
The juicy, melting flesh provides the traditional soft texture and rich flavor expected from a tree-ripened nectarine. Sunraycer is an excellent choice for home orchards, edible landscapes, local markets and U-pick plantings.
Plant Details
Fruit and Flavor
Sunraycer produces large, attractive nectarines with smooth skin and brilliant red coloring over a bright yellow background.
The yellow flesh is juicy and melting, giving the fruit a soft texture and rich nectarine flavor when fully ripe.
Sunraycer is a semi-clingstone nectarine. The flesh may remain partially attached to the pit but usually separates more easily as the fruit becomes fully ripe.
The fruit is excellent for fresh eating and can also be used for preserves, cobblers, pies, fruit salads and other homemade desserts.
Pollination
Sunraycer is self-fertile, so one tree can produce fruit without another nectarine variety nearby.
A second nectarine or peach tree is not required for pollination. However, bees and other pollinating insects can help improve pollination and overall fruit set.
Disease Resistance
Sunraycer has 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. Proper pruning, good air circulation, orchard sanitation and correctly timed preventive care may still be needed.
North Florida Growing Note
Sunraycer requires approximately 275 chill hours and should normally receive sufficient winter chilling in the DeFuniak Springs area.
Because it has a relatively low chilling requirement, the tree may bloom early. Flowers and developing fruit can be damaged when warm winter weather is followed by a late freeze.
Plant Sunraycer in a sunny, elevated location rather than a low area where cold air settles. It is a good nectarine variety for North Florida, although the crop may vary depending on late-winter and early-spring weather.
Planting and Care
Plant Sunraycer 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. Avoid low areas where water collects following heavy rain.
Sandy North Florida soil is suitable when the tree receives regular water and appropriate nutrition. Water young trees consistently while they become established.
Train the tree to an open-center or vase shape with three to four main scaffold branches. This allows sunlight and air to reach the center of the tree and makes harvesting 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.
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
