An award-winning yellow freestone nectarine with rich, sweet-tart flavor and firm, smooth-skinned fruit blushed deep red. The Flavortop is a freestone nectarine bred by the USDA in California and named for exactly what it delivers: full, aromatic flavor at the top of the nectarine class. Its medium-to-large fruit wears bright golden-yellow skin overlaid with a generous crimson blush, while the firm yellow flesh inside is juicy, sweet, and balanced by just enough tang. Because it is a freestone, the flesh pulls cleanly away from the pit, making it a favorite for fresh eating out of hand, slicing into salads, grilling, and putting up jams and preserves. As a tree, it carries clouds of pink spring blossoms before the fruit sets, so it earns its place as much for its looks as its harvest. Why growers choose the Flavortop Standout flavor. A USDA selection prized for rich, sweet-tart taste and high sugar, widely regarded as one of the best-eating yellow nectarines. Clean freestone flesh. The pit releases easily from firm, golden flesh, so slicing, canning, and grilling are quick and tidy. Self-fertile. A single tree sets a full crop on its own, with no second variety required to get fruit. Cold-tolerant range. Hardy in zones 5 through 9, it handles colder winters than many nectarines while still ripening reliably through summer. Ornamental spring show. Showy pink blossoms cover the branches before the leaves, adding real seasonal color to the yard. At a mature 12 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, the Flavortop suits a sunny backyard, an edible-landscape border, or a small home orchard. With summer pruning it can be kept more compact, and its self-fertile habit means even a single tree in a modest space will reward you with fruit.
