$119.00
The Sunmist Nectarine Tree is a beautiful, early-ripening nectarine developed by the University of Florida for mild-winter growing regions. It produces large, smooth-skinned nectarines with creamy white flesh and brilliant red skin.
Sunmist is an excellent choice for customers who prefer the sweet, juicy flavor of a white-fleshed nectarine. The attractive fruit is delicious for fresh eating, slicing, fruit salads and homemade desserts.
Plant Details
UF/IFAS identifies Sunmist as a vigorous, spreading nectarine with large white-fleshed fruit, melting texture and a semi-freestone pit. Official UF information lists its chill requirement at approximately 275–300 hours.
Fruit and Flavor
Sunmist produces large, attractive nectarines with smooth skin that develops nearly complete red coloring. The fruit is round, symmetrical and particularly large for such an early-ripening nectarine.
Its creamy white flesh is juicy and melting, providing a soft texture and excellent eating quality when allowed to ripen fully.
Sunmist is a semi-freestone nectarine. The flesh generally separates more easily from the pit than a clingstone variety, particularly when the fruit is fully ripe.
The fruit is best enjoyed fresh but may also be used in fruit salads, cobblers, desserts and preserves.
Pollination
Sunmist 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. However, bees and other pollinating insects can improve flower pollination and overall fruit set.
Disease Resistance
Sunmist trees and fruit have strong resistance to bacterial spot. This is an important advantage in North Florida’s warm, humid growing conditions.
Disease resistance does not mean the tree is completely immune. Proper pruning, good airflow, orchard sanitation and correctly timed preventive care may still be needed. UF/IFAS describes Sunmist as highly resistant to bacterial spot.
North Florida Growing Note
Sunmist requires approximately 275–300 chill hours and should normally receive enough winter chilling in the DeFuniak Springs area.
Because its chilling requirement is relatively low, the tree may complete dormancy and bloom early. Open flowers and developing fruit can be damaged when warm winter weather is followed by a late freeze.
Plant Sunmist in a sunny, elevated location rather than a low area where cold air settles. It is a good nectarine for North Florida, but yearly production may vary depending on late-winter and early-spring temperatures.
UF/IFAS includes Sunmist among nectarine cultivars suited to northern, north-central and central Florida.
Planting and Care
Plant Sunmist 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 helps produce larger, better-quality fruit and reduces 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
