Nectarine, Independence
Independence Nectarine
Prunus persica var. nucipersica ‘Independence’
Independence Nectarine
Independence nectarine is a deciduous fruit tree grown for its pink spring blossoms and bright red, smooth-skinned nectarines. The fruit has firm yellow freestone flesh with a rich, sweet-tangy flavor and is considered a reliable producer. Dave Wilson Nursery describes it as winter and frost hardy, self-fruitful, and an early-midseason nectarine with about 700 chill hours.
Type: Deciduous fruit tree
Mature Size: 10–12 ft. wide × 10–12 ft. tall; larger on standard rootstock
USDA Zones: 5a–8b; some sources list into 9b depending on climate and rootstock
Form: Rounded, compact fruit tree
Light: Full sun
Soil / Water: Fertile, well-drained soil; regular deep watering, especially during establishment and fruit development
Bloom Time / Length: Early to mid-spring; 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 for home orchards, edible landscapes, sunny backyards, and smaller fruit plantings where a cold-hardy nectarine is desired. ‘Independence’ is valued for reliable crops, bright red fruit, yellow freestone flesh, and good fresh-eating quality. Garden Center Marketing lists it at 10–12 ft. tall and wide, self-fertile, and early-ripening in July.
Care:
Plant in full sun with good air circulation. Prune annually in late winter or very early spring to maintain an open-center shape and remove crossing, dead, or crowded branches. 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
- 12'
- Width
- 12'
- Hardiness zones
- 5–9
- Sunlight
- Full Sun
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Flower color
- Pink
- Leaf color
- Green
- Fall color
- Green
- Fruit color
- Vanilla
- Attracts
- Bees, Birds
- Soil
- Humus rich, Loamy well-drained
- Landscape use
- Fruit, Home Orchard
- Shape
- Dwarf, Rounded
- Fruit
- Yes
- Fragrant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No