Red Gold Nectarine Tree

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4-5 ft

$130.00

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

SUNLIGHT
Prefers full sunlight with at least 6–8 hours of direct sun per day.

WATER
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all, so check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball and water when it feels dry. Water slowly and thoroughly, allowing moisture to penetrate the entire root ball and surrounding root zone rather than watering frequently and shallowly. For more in depth information, please see Watering and Sunlight section below.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Best suited for Zones 5–9. Red Gold Nectarine Trees prefer climates with enough winter cold to provide approximately 300–400 chill hours, followed by a warm, sunny growing season. Areas with frequent late spring freezes may experience reduced crops because developing flowers are more cold-sensitive than dormant trees.

Note: Red Gold Nectarine Trees are self-fruitful, so you do not need to plant a second nectarine variety for pollination. However, bees and other pollinating insects still play an important role in moving pollen among flowers, and unfavorable weather during bloom can reduce fruit set.

We cannot guarantee the Red Gold Nectarine Tree you receive will already be flowering or bearing fruit. This depends on the season, tree maturity, pollination, weather, and overall growth pattern.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Red Gold Nectarine Tree, scientifically known as Prunus persica ‘Red Gold’, is a productive fruit tree prized for its large, juicy nectarines with smooth red-blushed skin and sweet, flavorful yellow flesh. Showy pink spring blossoms develop into freestone nectarines that ripen in summer and are excellent for fresh eating, baking, preserves, and desserts. Self-fruitful and highly ornamental when in bloom, Red Gold is an excellent nectarine tree for home orchards and backyard gardens.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Reaches approximately 12–15 feet tall and 12–15 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering. Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather. Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Red Gold Nectarine Trees perform best in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Abundant sunlight supports healthy flowering, fruit production, sweetness, and the development of the fruit’s red-blushed skin.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
Prune Red Gold Nectarine Trees while dormant in late winter to early spring, ideally before vigorous new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, diseased, crossing, or inward-growing branches and maintain an open canopy that allows sunlight and air to reach developing fruit. Nectarines produce primarily on one-year-old wood, so annual pruning helps encourage productive new growth.

FERTILIZING
Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Once established, fertilize in spring or early summer when needed using a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for fruit trees. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage vigorous leafy growth at the expense of flowering and fruit production. Do not fertilize in fall or winter.

WINTER PROTECTION
Established Red Gold Nectarine Trees are cold hardy within their recommended growing range and generally require minimal winter protection. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone to help regulate soil temperature and moisture, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk. Although the dormant tree can withstand winter cold, its early spring flowers are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures and late frosts.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location for your Red Gold Nectarine Tree that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day and has well-draining soil with good air circulation. Avoid low-lying areas where water or cold air tends to collect. Dig a planting hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. Carefully remove the tree from its nursery container and loosen any circling or tightly bound roots. Position the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, keeping the graft union above the soil line. Backfill using the native soil removed from the planting hole without adding compost, peat moss, sand, rock, or other amendments directly to the hole. Gently firm the soil, water slowly and deeply throughout the root ball and surrounding soil, and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone while keeping it several inches away from the trunk. Space Red Gold Nectarine Trees approximately 12–15 feet apart to provide room for their mature canopies.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 5-9

Red Gold Nectarine Trees grow best in USDA Zones 5–9, where they receive sufficient winter chill followed by a warm, sunny growing season. This variety generally requires approximately 300–400 chill hours, making it adaptable to many mild-winter and temperate growing regions. Plenty of summer warmth and sunlight help the fruit develop its characteristic sweetness, color, and flavor. Like other nectarines, Red Gold blooms relatively early in spring, so late freezes during flowering can reduce fruit production even when the tree itself remains healthy.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Red Gold Nectarine Tree get?

A Red Gold Nectarine Tree typically reaches approximately 12–15 feet tall and 12–15 feet wide at maturity. Mature size can vary depending on rootstock, climate, soil, pruning, and growing conditions.

How fast does a Red Gold Nectarine Tree grow?

Red Gold Nectarine Trees have a moderate growth rate, typically growing approximately 12–24 inches per year under favorable conditions. Growth rate can vary depending on rootstock, sunlight, soil, moisture, climate, and overall tree health.

Where is the best place to plant a Red Gold Nectarine Tree?

Plant your Red Gold Nectarine Tree in full sun with well-draining soil and good air circulation. At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day supports healthy flowering, fruit production, sweetness, and color development. Avoid low areas where water or cold air tends to collect.

How far apart should I plant Red Gold Nectarine Trees?

Space Red Gold Nectarine Trees approximately 12–15 feet apart to accommodate their mature canopy and maintain good sunlight exposure and air circulation.

When does a Red Gold Nectarine Tree bloom?

Red Gold Nectarine Trees produce attractive pink flowers in early to mid-spring. Exact bloom timing varies by climate and seasonal temperatures, and flowers can be vulnerable to damage from late spring freezes.

Does a Red Gold Nectarine Tree need a pollinator?

No. Red Gold Nectarine is self-fruitful, meaning a single tree can produce nectarines without another nectarine variety planted nearby. Bees and other pollinating insects can still help promote successful fruit set.

How long does it take a Red Gold Nectarine Tree to produce fruit?

A young Red Gold Nectarine Tree may begin producing fruit approximately 2–4 years after planting, depending on the tree’s age, rootstock, climate, care, and growing conditions. Crops generally become larger as the tree matures.

When are Red Gold nectarines ready to harvest?

Red Gold Nectarines typically ripen in mid- to late summer, often around July or August depending on the region and seasonal weather. Fruit should be allowed to develop full color and soften slightly before harvest for the best flavor.

Are Red Gold nectarines freestone?

Yes. Red Gold is generally classified as a freestone nectarine, meaning the flesh separates relatively easily from the pit when the fruit is fully ripe. This makes it especially convenient for fresh eating, slicing, baking, and preserving.

How many chill hours does a Red Gold Nectarine Tree need?

Red Gold Nectarine Trees generally require approximately 300–400 chill hours during winter. Adequate winter chilling helps support normal bud development, flowering, and fruit production the following season.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.