Nectarines & Companion Planting

Spacing nectarine trees well helps to minimize the spread of pests and diseases.


The nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) is technically a fuzz-less variety of peach prized for its smooth, juicy fruits. Like other types of fruit trees, nectarines are potentially bothered by numerous diseases and pests ranging from aphids, scales, thrips and mites to borers and leafrollers. Certain cultural care practices limit pest activity or impact on a nectarine tree, including the cultivation of other plants as companions that deter pests, attract beneficial insects or otherwise contribute to tree health.

Plants to Repel Nectarine Pests

Garlic planted in a circle around the base of nectarine and other fruit trees helps to repel the several species of borers that potentially plague nectarines. Tansy may have a similar effect. As a general rule, many pests find members of the Allium family unpleasant; chives, dill, coriander, garlic and nasturtiums repel aphids, while mites dislike onions, garlic, dill and chives.

Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects

Avoiding the use of broad-spectrum insecticides and planting specific companion flowers or crops near nectarines encourages the presence of beneficial insects that feed on or parasitize nectarine pests. Strongly-scented herbs and ornamentals like marigolds, chives, dill, onions, parsley, parsnip, mint, Queen Anne's lace, clovers and caraway serve to attract predatory wasps and flies, lady bugs, pirate bugs and additional predators of common nectarine pests like aphids, mites, scales, thrips and leafrollers.

Cultivation Considerations

Where companion plants are cultivated near the base of the nectarine tree or under its canopy, very shallow, contained cultivation is necessary to avoid damaging shallow nectarine roots more than necessary. Planting large or fast-growing companions near young or struggling nectarines can create problematic competition for water and nutrients. Companion plants will generally repel pests and attract beneficials when planted as a border around plantings or interspersed throughout the planting site. For example, garlic to protect against borers is most effective if implemented at the base of the tree. Maintaining a 2- to 4-inch mulch layer around the nectarine and other desirable vegetation helps to suppress weeds that can harbor pests. If mulch is spread around trees and other plants, there should be a mulch-free space that extends 6 inches out from the trunk or stem.


Dense, healthy ornamental grass, turfgrass or another low-growing groundcover can limit erosion around the trees, make the area look more attractive or neat and, if dense enough, block weeds that harbor pests and disease. Maintaining a grass-free, mulched ring around the base of the nectarine tree limits competition between grass and the tree and limits traffic around the tree, reducing the likelihood of mechanical injury caused by mowing or other activity.

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