Prunus persica 'Flavortop'

 ‘Flavortop’ is a hybrid nectarine in the rose family (Rosaceae). It was developed in Fresno, Calif., by the USDA and introduced in 1969.

‘Flavortop’ requires 650 chilling hours and grows 15 to 25 feet tall and wide. Trees can also be grown on dwarf stock for shorter varieties. It will do best in full sun and moist, well-drained soils. Here is a pruning guide for fruit from NC State. Here is a guide to pest and disease management from NC State on fruit trees.

The tree is vigorous and produces self-fertile pink flowers in spring. The freestone fruit that follows has red over yellow skin with very flavorful flesh that matures in mid to late summer.

Nectaries are grown commercially or in the home edible garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Potential disease problems include peach leaf curl, brown rot, bacterial leaf spot and canker. Potential insect problems include peach tree borer, plum curculio, oriental fruit moth, root nematodes, mites and aphids. Very cold winter temperatures and late spring frosts often cause significant damage to the buds/flowers of nectarines. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases.  The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests.

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.