The ‘Goldmine’ nectarine is a self-fertile, white-fleshed, freestone variety that originated as a chance seedling in New Zealand in the early 1900s. It is known for being vigorous and highly productive, with fruit that ripens in mid-to-late summer.
Fruit: ‘Goldmine’ produces a medium-sized fruit with sweet, juicy, and aromatic white flesh. The skin is blushed red and white or mainly red over a green background. The fruit is freestone, making it easy to remove the pit. It is suitable for eating fresh, cooking, and preserving.
Tree: This deciduous tree has an upright, vigorous, and highly productive growth habit. It can reach a mature size of about 5 meters tall and 3 meters wide. The foliage is a rich green, and in spring, it produces attractive pink blossoms before the leaves appear.
Origin: The ‘Goldmine’ nectarine was first grown in Auckland, New Zealand, and is a popular, old-favorite cultivar.
Climate: ‘Goldmine’ thrives in climates with cool winters but should be planted in a sheltered, full-sun position to protect the spring blossoms from late frosts.
Planting:
Plant bare-rooted trees in winter and container-grown trees in winter or early spring.
Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, well-drained soil.
To prepare the soil, dig a hole at least 1 meter wide and incorporate organic matter, such as compost and sheep pellets.
If planting multiple trees, space them about 5 meters apart.
Watering:
Water regularly, especially during the early stages of growth, in dry periods, and as the fruit is developing.
Mulch around the base of the tree with organic material to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer for fruiting trees in spring.
Pruning:
Prune the tree in late summer after fruiting to establish an open, vase-like shape.
Avoid pruning in winter, as this can increase the risk of disease spread.
Pest and disease control:
Follow a preventative spray program for stone fruit diseases, including a copper spray at leaf drop in autumn and again in spring at bud movement.
Protect the fruit from birds by covering the tree with netting as the fruit ripens.
Special Considerations: The ‘Goldmine’ is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another variety for pollination. It also has good resistance to leaf curl.
