The Sunhome Nectarine Tree is a low-chill nectarine developed by the University of Florida especially for home orchards and edible landscapes. It combines fruit production with ornamental beauty, producing dark reddish-purple new foliage in early spring, showy pink flowers and colorful, smooth-skinned nectarines. Sunhome produces sweet, aromatic nectarines with yellow flesh and red-blushed skin. The fruit is excellent for fresh eating, slicing, fruit salads, preserves, cobblers and other homemade desserts. Plant Details Botanical Name: Prunus persica var. nucipersica ‘Sunhome’ Common Name: Sunhome Nectarine Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree Origin: University of Florida Release Year: 1985 Chill Requirement: Approximately 300 chill hours Climate Classification: Low-chill nectarine Growth Habit: Vigorous and productive Mature Height: Approximately 10–15 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 Spring Foliage: Dark reddish-purple new growth that gradually matures to green Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring Flower Color: Showy pink flowers Harvest Season: Early season, generally during May in Florida, depending on location and weather Fruit Size: Medium Fruit Skin: Smooth skin with heavy red blush Flesh Color: Yellow Flesh Type: Juicy and melting Pit Type: Semi-freestone Flavor: Sweet, juicy and aromatic Uses: Fresh eating, slicing, fruit salads, preserves, cobblers, pies and desserts Sunhome was released by the University of Florida Agricultural Experiment Station in 1985. The original release lists its chilling requirement at approximately 300 hours, slightly higher than Sunred but lower than Sunripe. Ornamental Features Sunhome is one of the most ornamental nectarine varieties available for warm climates. Its new leaves emerge dark red to reddish-purple in early spring, creating a colorful display around the same time as its showy pink flowers. The foliage gradually changes to green as the season progresses. The name Sunhome reflects its development as a nectarine intended for home landscapes, where the flowers, fruit and colorful foliage can all be enjoyed. Fruit and Flavor Sunhome produces smooth-skinned nectarines with yellow flesh and attractive red-blushed skin. The fruit is juicy and sweet with a pleasant nectarine aroma when allowed to ripen fully. Sunhome is generally described as semi-freestone. The flesh may remain slightly attached to the pit when the fruit is firm but usually separates more easily as the nectarine reaches full ripeness. The nectarines are delicious when eaten fresh and can also be used in fruit salads, preserves, cobblers, pies and other homemade desserts. Pollination Sunhome is self-fertile, so one tree can produce fruit without another nectarine variety nearby. A second peach or nectarine tree is not required for pollination. Bees and other pollinating insects can still help improve flower pollination and overall fruit set. UF/IFAS identifies Florida peach and nectarine cultivars as self-fruitful. Disease Resistance Sunhome leaves and fruit have strong resistance to bacterial spot, an important advantage in North Florida’s warm, humid climate. The original University of Florida release described both the foliage and fruit as highly resistant to bacterial spot. Disease resistance does not mean the tree is completely immune. Annual pruning, good air circulation, orchard sanitation and properly timed preventive care may still be needed. North Florida Growing Note Sunhome’s requirement of approximately 300 chill hours makes it a good low-chill nectarine for North Florida and the Florida Panhandle. The DeFuniak Springs area should normally provide sufficient winter chilling for the tree. Because Sunhome has a relatively low chilling requirement, it can finish dormancy and bloom early. Open flowers and young fruit may be damaged when warm winter weather is followed by a late freeze. Plant Sunhome in a sunny, elevated location rather than a low area where cold air settles. Avoid locations that remain wet after heavy rainfall. UF/IFAS emphasizes matching a cultivar’s chill requirement to its location and selecting well-drained sites with good air movement. Planting and Care Plant Sunhome 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 regular water and appropriate nutrition. Train the tree to an open-center or vase shape with three to four main scaffold 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 chance of branches breaking under a heavy crop. Prune annually because nectarines produce fruit primarily on wood that grew during the previous season. Local Pickup & Limited Shipping Local pickup is available for most plants and trees at our nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Limited shipping may be available for select trees, liners, and smaller plants in 3-gallon containers or smaller. Shipping availability depends on the plant variety, size, quantity, destination, and packaging requirements. Shipping charges are calculated separately. Please contact us before ordering if shipping is needed to confirm that the plant can be shipped and to receive the current shipping cost. Advanced Nursery Growers LLC1911 McLeod RoadDeFuniak Springs, FL 32435Phone: 850-391-2228Email: [email protected]: www.AdvancedNurseryGrowers.com Wholesale pricing is available for qualified nurseries. Please contact Advanced Nursery Growers for current availability and wholesale pricing.
Related
Related
Related