A properly designed overhead sprinkler irrigation system has the added advantage of protecting flowers and young fruit from late winter and spring freezes. For low-volume irrigation systems, microsprinklers are preferred to drippers. There are several commercially available cultivars of peaches and nectarines that can provide continuous fruit production from late April through May in areas of Florida where they are well adapted. Therefore, only root-knot nematode resistant rootstocks such as Nemaguard, Flordaguard, and Okinawa should be used in Florida. A new rootknot nematode has been found that infests both of these, but it is not yet widespread in Florida.
Larger sizes are more difficult to handle and more expensive.
Normal tree spacing is 20 x 20 feet or 108 trees per acre. All common peach cultivars are self-fruitful and should be planted in solid blocks for easier spraying and harvesting. Cultural Program Growing peaches and nectarines requires a high level of skilled management, which include, pruning, fruit thinning, and harvesting. Peaches and nectarines are susceptible to a number of pests including diseases, insects, and nematodes. A regular pest control program must be followed to ensure good fruit quality.