Prunus persica var. nucipersica ‘Goldmine’ is a classic, mid-to-late-season nectarine cultivar that has remained popular for decades in Australian and other temperate gardens. It is highly valued for its exceptional eating quality. The fruit is medium to large, with smooth, deep red skin blushed over a yellow background. The flesh is its key feature: it is white to creamy-yellow, sweet, highly aromatic, and incredibly juicy, with a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. ‘Goldmine’ is a clingstone variety, meaning the flesh adheres to the stone. It is a reliable and vigorous deciduous tree with beautiful pink blossoms in spring, offering a high yield in summer. It requires a specific amount of chilling hours during winter to set fruit successfully.
Care Tips
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Position: Requires a position in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) for the best fruit sweetness and skin colour.
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Climate: Best suited to Cool Temperate and Temperate climates where it receives sufficient winter chilling (around 400-500 hours below $7^\circ\text{C}$).
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Soil: Plant in deep, fertile, moisture-retentive, yet very well-drained soil. Nectarines dislike ‘wet feet’.
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Watering: Water regularly and deeply during the spring and summer growing season, especially when the fruit is swelling (the final 6 weeks before harvest). Inconsistent watering can lead to fruit splitting.
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Fertilising: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser formulated for fruit trees. Ensure it has enough potassium for good fruit development.
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Pruning: Prune hard in winter (dormant season) to remove old, unproductive wood and to maintain an open, vase shape for good light penetration and air circulation. Thin the developing fruit in spring to ensure larger, healthier remaining fruit.
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Pest and Disease: Monitor closely for Leaf Curl fungus, especially in late winter/early spring; this disease requires preventative spraying just before bud burst.
