The Hardy Red Nectarine is an early ripening Canadian variety that is highly productive, reliable, and disease-resistant, especially to bacterial spot and brown rot. The tree features stunning large, showy pink flowers in spring and produces a bountiful crop of deep-red skinned nectarines with sweet, golden flesh in early August. The semi-freestone fruit is firm and flavorful, making it perfect for eating fresh, desserts, canning, or preserves. Hardy red is a self-pollinating variety, although planting partner trees can increase its yield. This nectarine is also cold-hardy, excelling in cooler or short summer regions making it a great choice for West Coast growers. The tree is very compact; about 10-12 feet tall and 8 ft wide which is perfect for those with restricted gardening spaces. If you live in a region with a wet and humid climate like the West Coast, growing peaches nectarines and apricots can be quite a challenge. However, with the right measures, you can still successfully grow these sun-loving stonefruits. We recommend training the trees in an espalier style, fanned out on a South-facing wall that receives full sun exposure while also providing coverage from the elements. This approach will help prevent diseases like leaf curl, and ensure that your trees consistently produce high yields of sweet and luscious fruit.