Question about growing Snow Queen White Nectarine in Zone 6a/b MA

General Fruit Growing
1

Hi everyone,

A local grower offered me a Snow Queen White nectarine tree, but they do not know much about this specific variety’s performance in our region.

I understand the taste is fantastic but when I looked up the specs, I noticed it is a very low-chill variety, requiring only 250 to 300 chill hours. I am a bit concerned that the tree will wake up and bloom way too early, leaving the blossoms completely exposed to our frequent late spring frosts.

Also, Massachusetts gets a lot of rain in April and high summer humidity, and from what I read it seems this variety prefers a dry, warm climate.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Has anyone has successfully managed its low-chill dormancy timing here, or if the blooms just get wiped out by frost every year. Also how do you deal with humidity?

Thanks for your help.

MFJ.

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The spice zee nectaplum is low chill but it never starts early here in zone 6 Michigan. I would try it just to see. Also first crop may taste bad, don’t worry it will improve. It has been my experience that in colder zones roots need to be developed for flavors to realize in fruits. White Nectarines are amazing. A good yellow is amazing too. I have grown Arctic Jay and Arctic Glo successfully here also.

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