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Nectarine Mericrest Dwarf
Common Name: Mericrest Dwarf Nectarine
Prunus persica var. nucipersica ‘Mericrest’ Mericrest Dwarf / Semi-Dwarf Nectarine Mericrest nectarine is a cold-hardy deciduous fruit tree developed in New Hampshire and valued for pink spring blossoms followed by medium to large, smooth-skinned nectarines. The fruit has yellow skin blushed red, bright yellow flesh, and a sweet-tangy flavor. It is a freestone nectarine and usually ripens in August, often early to mid-August in Zone 5 and mid to late August in some listings. It is commonly sold as a dwarf or semi-dwarf tree for smaller home orchards. Type: Deciduous fruit tree Mature Size: 8–12 ft. wide × 8–12 ft. tall on dwarf/semi-dwarf rootstock USDA Zones: 5a–8b Form: Compact, rounded fruit tree Light: Full sun Soil / Water: Loamy, fertile, well-drained soil; regular water, especially during establishment and fruit development Bloom Time / Length: Early spring; soft pink flowers, usually 1–2 weeks Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; fruit may attract birds, squirrels, deer, and other wildlife Features & Landscape Uses: Good choice for home orchards, edible landscapes, small yards, and colder climates where many nectarines struggle. Mericrest is one of the hardier nectarine cultivars and is listed by Stark Bro’s for Zones 5–8. Gurney’s lists it as self-pollinating, freestone, resistant to brown rot and leaf spot, and requiring about 800 chill hours; Stark lists 950 chill hours, so it is best treated as a higher-chill nectarine. Care: Plant in full sun with good air circulation. Prune annually in late winter or very early spring to maintain an open-center shape, remove crossing branches, and improve sunlight penetration. Thin young fruit after fruit set to improve fruit size and reduce limb breakage. Watch for peach leaf curl, brown rot, bacterial spot, aphids, scale, and peach tree borers.
| Plant Type: | Fruit Tree |
| Width: | 8-12' |
| Height: | 8-12' |
| Fragrant: | Yes |
| Fruit Color | Brown |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zone: | 5 - 8 |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Salt Tolerant: | No |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Attract: | Bees, Birds |
| Exposure: | Full Sun |
| Bloom Time: | Spring |
| Landscape/Use: | Fruit, Home Orchard |
| Shape: | Rounded, Compact |
| Soil Type | Loamy well-drained, Humus rich |
| Flower Color: | Pink |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Fall Color: | Green |