- Low Chill Hours: Needs just 100–200 chill hours, ideal for SoCal’s mild winters, ensuring reliable fruiting.
- Exceptional Taste: Sweet-tart, juicy fruit with a zesty kick, loved by families and foodies alike.
- High Fruit Production: Yields dozens of nectarines per season, with our tree promising even more as it grows.
- Disease Resistance: Resists peach leaf curl, thriving in SoCal’s warm, dry climate with minimal fuss.
- Early Harvest: Ripens in late May to early June, delivering fresh fruit early in the season.
Our Desert Delight nectarine, thriving in the ground in our Santa Clarita backyard, has delivered two bountiful harvests, filling our family’s table with sweet, zesty fruit. This early-ripening gem, with its stunning pink blossoms and heavy fruit loads, is a star in our urban food forest. Its vibrant flavor and prolific production make it a top pick for Southern California gardens, and we’re excited for even bigger yields as it matures. Check out our photos to see this tree’s beauty and abundance in action!
What Makes the Desert Delight Nectarine Special?
The Desert Delight nectarine bursts with sweet, tangy flavor and a signature nectarine zing, as we’ve savored in our harvests. Its juicy yellow flesh and bright red-over-yellow skin make every bite a delight, perfect for fresh eating or sharing with friends. The tree’s gorgeous spring blossoms add a touch of beauty, transforming your backyard into a tropical haven.
Why It’s Perfect for SoCal Backyards
Growing Tips for Success
Plant your Desert Delight in well-draining soil (add perlite or sand if needed) and provide full sun for optimal growth. Water deeply once a week in summer, reducing in winter to avoid root rot. Mulch with organic material like compost or worm castings, as we do, to retain moisture and enrich soil. Prune annually in late winter to maintain shape and boost fruit production, and consider summer pruning to keep the tree smaller, ideal for compact backyards. For young trees, protect from rare frosts with blankets to ensure healthy growth.