Nectarine Mericrest Dwarf

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

Height

8-12'

Width

8-12'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Brown

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Humus rich, Loamy well-drained

Landscape use

Fruit, Home Orchard

Shape

Compact, Rounded

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No