Nectarine (Prunus persica) FANTASIA

Nectarine (Prunus persica) 'Fantasia'

A popular late variety with large, juicy fruits and excellent flavor.

'Fantasia' is a widely grown and highly productive nectarine variety originating from the USA (California). It is prized for its large, attractive fruits and excellent, aromatic taste. It is a self-pollinating variety, and thanks to its frost resistance (down to -29 °C), it is suitable for various climatic conditions, including higher elevations if planted in sheltered spots.

Key Highlights:

• Large and attractive fruits with a red blush.
• Excellent taste: Sweet, juicy, and aromatic flesh.
• Freestone: The stone separates easily from the flesh.
• High and regular yields.
• High frost resistance of both wood and flower buds.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: USA (California), registered in 1961.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium to vigorous. Forms a spreading crown.
• Flowering: Abundant, pink flowers. The variety is self-fertile.
• Rootstock: Often grafted on Rakoniewicka seedling, which roots well and is vigorous.
• Productivity: Early, very high, and regular. Fruit thinning is recommended to ensure large fruit size.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large (130 – 160 g), oval shape.
• Color: Yellow-green background, largely covered with a rich red-orange blush. Smooth skin.
• Flesh: Yellow to orange, firm but very juicy.
• Taste: Distinctively sweet, balanced, and aromatic.
• Stone: Separates well from the flesh (Freestone).
• Usage: Ideal for fresh consumption, but also for canning and processing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Medium disease resistance. Requires standard protection against leaf curl (spring and autumn).
• Frost: High hardiness (rated up to -29 °C), suitable for medium and sheltered higher elevations.
• Soil: Requires humus-rich, well-drained, loamy-sandy soil, preferably on the drier side.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Location: Sunny, warm, south-facing, protected from northern winds.
• Pruning: Requires spring pruning (open center system) and summer pruning after harvest. Removing excess shoots improves fruit quality.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late variety, ripens in the second half of August to early September.
• Storage: Fruits are intended for immediate consumption and are not suitable for long-term storage.