Stonefruit
When to Plant
Whilst winter is the main planting season, they can be planted at other times provided they are watered regularly.
Where to Plant
Choose a warm sunny position, sheltered from strong winds. Stone fruit trees will grow in most soils, but in clay soils, raise plantings and add lots of compost.
Pests and Diseases
There are a number of pests and diseases that attack fruit trees. If particular pests and diseases are very prevalent in your area it may pay to choose different fruits that are not affected.
Big and small
Apricots, peaches and nectarines are available in dwarf sizes which are perfect for pots and small sections.
Stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines and apricots), are attacked by oriental fruit moth, aphids, leaf curl, brown rot, shot hole and rust.
Most diseases are minimised with a winter clean up copper and oil spray, followed by early season sprays of fungicide prior to and just after flowering.
Pollinators
Many plums, and some cherries and apricots require another variety to be grown nearby to ensure pollination. Check with a garden centre team member for pollinator varieties.
Pruning
For more information see our Stone fruit info brochure or ask a Green Door team member.
At a glance
Warm, sunny site
Choose fruits and varieties best suited to your area
Feed and water
Stone fruit does not store well but with the many varieties giving a spread of maturity, it is possible to plan a spread of harvest dates.
Plums
The easiest stone fruit to grow and care for, plums fruit prolifically and are delicious fresh or cooked
Dwarf varieties of most fruits are now available which are ideal where space is limited. There are dwarf forms / varieties of most fruits which don’t take a lot of space available in the ican Harvest range. These can be espaliered on a fence as space savers. This allows a collection of many fruits spread through the season.
After Care
Mulching
This is a highly recommended practice as it suppresses weeds and conserves moisture in the soil. A layer of mulch, compost or similar laid on the surface in October will prevent moisture loss and greatly benefit the trees.
Feeding
Fruit trees benefit from an annual dressing of lime or gypsum, in August, followed by an application of Tui General or Citrus & Fruit Tree Fertiliser in September.
Watering
Many fruit trees can withstand considerable dry periods, but regular watering over summer when fruit is growing will greatly improve the yield.