Suncoast Nectarine

Name: Suncoast Nectarine
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 23425E
Price: 62.94 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.57 (14 reviews)

Prunus persica 'Suncoast'

Hardy in zones 8-10 with low chill requirement of only 250-300 hours, perfect for warmer climates where traditional nectarines struggle
Produces abundant medium to large freestone nectarines with sweet yellow flesh and attractive red-blushed skin in late spring to early summer
Self-fertile variety sets fruit without requiring a second pollinator tree, making it ideal for small yards and edible landscapes
Fragrant pink blossoms emerge in early spring before leaves, providing ornamental beauty followed by delicious homegrown fruit

$62⁹⁴

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

#3 Container | 3-4 ft

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Edible, Self-pollinating, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	5a to 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	12-15 ft
Width	12-15 ft
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Pink
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Cherry
Botanical Name	Prunus persica 'Suncoast'
Species	persica
Cultivar	Suncoast
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

The Suncoast Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica 'Suncoast') brings reliable homegrown fruit production to gardeners in warmer climates where traditional nectarine varieties often fail. This low-chill selection requires only 250 to 300 hours below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to break dormancy and set fruit, making it perfectly adapted to coastal regions, the Deep South, and mild winter areas where standard fruit trees never receive enough winter chilling to produce properly. You're getting a nectarine specifically bred to thrive where winter barely touches frost.

Spring Beauty Followed by Summer Sweetness

Early spring transforms your Suncoast Nectarine into a cloud of fragrant pink blossoms that appear before the leaves emerge. The showy flowers attract early-season pollinators including native bees and honeybees, though this self-fertile variety doesn't require a pollinator partner to set fruit. Those delicate blooms quickly give way to bright green foliage and developing fruit that swells through spring and into early summer.

By late spring or early summer, depending on your local climate, you'll be harvesting medium to large nectarines with smooth, fuzzless skin beautifully blushed with red over a golden yellow base. The freestone flesh is sweet and juicy with that classic nectarine flavor that tastes like concentrated summer sunshine. Fresh-eating quality is excellent right off the tree, and the fruit also works beautifully for preserves, pies, grilling, or freezing for year-round enjoyment.

Compact Size for Home Orchards

Suncoast Nectarine naturally stays in the 12 to 15 foot range at maturity, making it manageable for home gardeners who want fruit production without sacrificing their entire yard. The rounded, spreading canopy fits comfortably in suburban landscapes and can even be trained as a focal point in edible ornamental gardens. This moderate size also makes pruning, thinning, and harvesting far easier than dealing with a full-sized orchard tree.

Disease Resistance and Care

While nectarines do require some attention to produce quality fruit, Suncoast offers better disease resistance than many older varieties. Good cultural practices go a long way toward keeping your tree healthy. Proper spacing for air circulation, consistent watering that avoids wetting foliage, and annual dormant-season pruning to maintain an open center all help prevent common issues like brown rot, leaf curl, and powdery mildew. A preventive fungicide spray during the dormant season provides additional insurance in humid climates.

Perfect for Mild Winter Regions

If you live where winter means occasional light frosts rather than prolonged freezes, Suncoast Nectarine is your answer to fresh homegrown fruit. This variety thrives in zones 8 through 10, including areas along the Gulf Coast, coastal California, southern Texas, Florida, and similar mild-winter regions where traditional fruit trees simply don't accumulate enough chill hours. You're planting a tree that works with your climate instead of fighting against it.

Self-Fertile Convenience

One of Suncoast's greatest advantages is its self-fertile nature. You only need a single tree to enjoy abundant fruit crops, though planting two or more different varieties can increase overall yields through cross-pollination. This makes Suncoast ideal for gardeners with limited space who still want the satisfaction of harvesting their own fresh nectarines each summer.

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun with at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Nectarines are sun lovers and fruit production suffers dramatically in partial shade. Choose a location with southern or western exposure for maximum warmth and light, which helps fruit ripen properly and develop the best flavor.

Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Sandy loam is ideal, but the tree adapts to various soil types as long as drainage is excellent. Heavy clay must be amended generously with compost and coarse sand, or plant on a slope or raised bed to prevent root rot. Avoid low spots where cold air settles, as late spring frosts can damage blossoms and developing fruit.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply twice a week during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, nectarines need consistent moisture during fruit development from bloom through harvest. Provide one to two inches of water weekly during dry spells, increasing to twice weekly during hot summer weather when trees are ripening fruit. Inconsistent watering causes fruit to split or drop prematurely and stresses the tree, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant to maintain an open center shape that allows sunlight and air circulation throughout the canopy. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches first, then thin out crowded areas to create a vase-shaped structure. Nectarines fruit on one-year-old wood, so your goal is to encourage fresh growth each season while removing older, less productive branches. Thin fruit when they're marble-sized to one fruit every six inches along branches for larger, sweeter nectarines and to prevent limb breakage from heavy crops.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer in early spring just as buds begin to swell, following package rates for the tree's age and size. A second lighter application in late spring after fruit set helps support developing fruit. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. Skip fertilizing after midsummer, as late-season growth doesn't harden off properly before winter and becomes more susceptible to cold damage.

Other Cherry varieties

Reliance Peach Tree
Prunus persica 'Reliance'

(7)

Regular price $94⁵⁰
Montmorency Cherry Tree
Prunus cerasus 'Montmorency'

(30)

Regular price From $136¹¹
August Lady Peach
Prunus persica 'August Lady'

(8)

Regular price $62⁹⁴
Ozark Premier Japanese Plum Tree
Prunus salicina 'Ozark Premier'

(17)

Regular price $54⁵⁵
Bonfire Peach Tree
Prunus persica 'Bonfire'

(11)

Regular price $129⁸⁹
Country Sweet Peach
Prunus persica 'Country Sweet'

(11)

Regular price $83⁹²
June Princess Nectarine
Prunus persica 'June Princess'

(14)

Regular price $83⁹²
Sweet Gem Peach
Prunus persica 'Sweet Gem'

(30)

Regular price $83⁹²

This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.

Tree arrived in bad condition

Tree arrived with yellow leaves and clear pest damage. Contacted Nature Hills who said it’s fine just transit condition. Been in ground for 2 weeks and has not improved. Very frustrating!

In fairness the other tree I bought is in good condition.

Arrived in great condition

Arrived in great condition.
Planted right away and am babying it so it takes hold.

Nectarines really do reward that early attention, so it sounds like you're off to a good start. Once it settles in and puts on some new growth, you can ease back a bit and let it find its footing. Thanks for planting with us, Melissa.

Tree came in real good condition

Tree came in real good condition. I planted with plenty of garden soil and some manure in the hole. It had blossoms and I already have 5 or 6 small peaches growing.

Redhaven is a reliable producer, but getting fruit in the first season is a genuinely good sign that the tree settled in well. The combination of amended soil and manure gives it a strong nutritional start. Thin those peaches to one every six inches or so if you have not already, and the ones that remain will size up nicely. Thanks for sharing the update, Phil.

Beautiful tree

Ordered my tree last year and requested delivery for this Spring. When I called to check on the timing of my delivery this Spring, Brian, in Customer Service, was very helpful and made a call to their grower in Oregon. Within a week, my beautiful 5' tall tree arrived - well packaged - and the tree is loaded with fruit. It has been over a week now and no fruit has dropped. The tree is well shaped, straight as an arrow and the leaves are regaining their dark green color. Very happy with the tree, with Brian and the whole experience.

Thank you, Narda! We’re thrilled your 5‑foot fruit tree from our Oregon grower arrived healthy, well‑packaged, and already setting fruit. Brian and the Nature Hills Nursery Customer Service team appreciate your kind words—enjoy your new fruit tree, and reach out anytime for expert care tips!

Arrived healthy and looks like

Arrived healthy and looks like it will produce nice fruit next year. I am anticipating the peaches next year. Worth the wait.

Excellent Peach Plants

Wonderful plants. Arrived in excellent condition. Thank you.

Just peachy

I planted a red haven one year and got peaches the following years that the way all fruit should grow yum yum

Hi Ellie,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Redhaven Peach Tree! It’s heartwarming to know that your tree produced delicious peaches so soon after planting—that’s exactly the kind of fruitful success we love to hear about. Peaches can truly bring such joy to a garden and your description of “yum yum” definitely brightened our day.

If you ever want tips on pruning, pest management, or ensuring even better fruit production year after year, feel free to reach out. We also have a great blog and care guides that can help keep your peach tree thriving for many seasons to come.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Great little tasty peach

Grows great in California , can't stand yellow peaches this is tree for you has a sweet honey light peach flavor . PS. Kids love them.

Jim and Jan

Even though this peach tree requires regular pruning and thinning, it is worth the efforts. We have enjoyed watching this tree grow and produce the most wonderful and tasty peaches. Our grandkids love to pick and eat the fruit when they visit.

Hello Delicious,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Redhaven Peach Tree! We’re thrilled to hear that all the pruning and thinning efforts have paid off with such delicious rewards—and what a special joy it must be to see your grandkids happily picking fruit right from your garden. Peach trees do indeed require a bit of care, but it sounds like you’ve found the perfect rhythm to keep yours healthy and productive.

To help keep those peaches coming, you might consider checking out our pruning guides and thinning tips on our website, which offer seasonal reminders to make the process even easier. Also, regular watering and mulch can really support fruit quality and overall tree health as the seasons change.

Thank you again for letting us be a part of your garden’s journey. We’re always here to help should you need advice down the road!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Jim and Jan

Dear Delicious,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Redhaven Peach Tree! We're delighted to hear that, despite the regular pruning and thinning needed, your efforts have truly paid off with such tasty fruits. It’s heartwarming to know your grandkids enjoy picking the peaches—those moments of family joy are what make gardening so special.

If you ever want tips on pruning techniques or ways to help improve thinning, feel free to reach out! We’re always happy to provide advice to help your peach tree thrive even more. Also, don’t forget healthy soil and proper watering can make a big difference in the tree’s overall health and fruit quality.

Happy to be part of your gardening journey!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Best fruit

I want my own tree

My husband and I took a trip to Lake Erie a couple of weeks ago. We stopped at a fruit/vegetable market on the way home and picked up some redhaven peaches. They were the most awesome peaches Ive ever had. I sliced 12 of them up and made a peach cobbler that was incredible with vanilla bean ice cream! We loved them so much that my husband is considering planting the seeds to see if we can get a tree to grow so we can have our own supply!

Hi Angiemac,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely story! We’re thrilled to hear that those Redhaven peaches from Lake Erie inspired such a delicious peach cobbler—you truly captured one of the best ways to enjoy fresh peaches! It’s wonderful that you and your husband are thinking about planting a tree of your own.

While growing a Redhaven Peach tree from seeds is a fun experiment, keep in mind that seed-grown peach trees can sometimes have unpredictable fruit quality and may take several years to bear fruit. If you want the ultimate assurance of juicy, delicious peaches like you enjoyed, you might consider ordering a nursery-grown Redhaven Peach tree, which is carefully propagated for flavor and growth. We’d be happy to help you choose the perfect tree that will thrive in your local climate and soil conditions.

In the meantime, if you’d like to try growing from pits, a helpful tip is to remove the seed from the pit gently, clean it well, and give it a cold stratification by placing it in moist peat moss in the fridge for 6-8 weeks to help it break dormancy. Then plant it in a deep pot for good root development.

If you have any questions about planting or care, just reach out—we’d love to support your journey to having your own peach harvest.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

I want my own tree

Dear Angiemac,

Thank you so much for sharing your delightful story! We’re thrilled to hear how much you and your husband enjoyed those Redhaven peaches—and that peanut butter, freshly picked flavor really shines in a homemade cobbler (especially with vanilla bean ice cream!). Your idea of planting the seeds to grow your own tree is wonderful.

While growing a peach tree from seed can be a rewarding adventure, keep in mind that it might take several years for the tree to fruit, and the peaches might not be exactly like the parent fruit since peaches don’t grow true to seed. If you’re eager for a bountiful harvest sooner, we’d recommend starting with a grafted Redhaven Peach Tree, which ensures the fruit’s quality and begins producing typically within 2-4 years.

In the meantime, if you do choose to experiment with seedlings, make sure the seeds are fully dried and cold stratified by refrigerating them for about 6-8 weeks before planting outdoors or in a pot. This process mimics winter conditions and helps the seed break dormancy.

Feel free to browse our peach tree care guides on NatureHills.com for tips on planting location, soil preparation, and pest prevention to set your tree up for longtime success.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Just peachy

I planted a red haven one year and got peaches the following years that the way all fruit should grow yum yum

Dear Ellie,

Thank you so much for sharing your delightful experience with your Redhaven Peach Tree! It’s always wonderful to hear when our customers enjoy the fruits—quite literally!—of their gardening efforts, and we agree that peaches grown at home are truly yum yum worthy. Your success is exactly what we hope for when you plant with us.

If you ever want tips on pruning, fertilizing, or protecting your tree from pests to keep those future harvests just as bountiful, feel free to reach out. We also have helpful care guides on our website that might inspire your next planting adventure!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is the Suncoast Nectarine hardy in?

Suncoast Nectarine thrives in zones 8-10 where it needs only 250-300 chill hours below 45°F. This low-chill variety is specifically bred for coastal regions, the Deep South, and mild winter areas where standard nectarines fail to produce. Plant it where winters barely reach frost for reliable fruit production.

What is the expected growth rate of the Suncoast Nectarine tree?

Suncoast Nectarine grows at a moderate pace, reaching its mature size of 12-15 feet over several years. This compact growth habit makes it ideal for home gardens where space matters. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-chill variety that thrives in warm climates.

Is the Suncoast Nectarine deer resistant?

Suncoast Nectarine trees are not deer resistant, as deer readily browse nectarine foliage, bark, and developing fruit. The tree's moderate 12-15 foot size makes it particularly vulnerable to deer damage. Install 8-foot fencing or use deer repellent sprays to protect your investment.

What are the signs of overwatering or underwatering in Suncoast Nectarine trees?

Overwatered Suncoast Nectarine trees show yellowing leaves and soggy soil, while underwatered trees display wilted, browning leaf edges and dry soil several inches down. Check soil moisture 2-3 inches deep before watering your tree from Nature Hills. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Suncoast Nectarine

Prunus persica 'Suncoast'