Unique Features: Nectarines are simply a variety of peach that has a smooth skin, no fuzz. While both peaches and nectarines are self-fruitful, there will be more fruit on each tree if there is another tree with in a 100’ or so.  A peach tree and a nectarine tree planted together will help each other grow more fruit. The Mericrest is one of the most cold hardy nectarine varieties. It blooms with soft pink flowers in early spring, which develop into smooth skinned, dark red fruit with yellow markings. The fruit ripens in late August and has firm yellow flesh with a mildly sweet, slightly tangy flavor. This tree is disease resistant but there are several pests can cause problems. This is a dwarf tree so fruit thinning will be important, especially while the tree is getting established. Later, regular pruning will increase yields.