Nectarine, Fantasia, Bare Root

Nectarine, Fantasia (Prunus persica var. nucipersica ‘Fantasia’

Fantasia is a standout nectarine variety loved for its large, juicy fruit and complex, sweet-tart flavor. Developed in California, it’s a freestone variety with smooth red-blushed skin and bright yellow flesh, ripening in two distinct stages: an early crop that’s tangy and firm, followed by a later harvest that’s softer and intensely sweet. This dual harvest makes Fantasia an excellent choice for extending the nectarine season with fruit suited for both fresh eating and preserving.

Self-fertile and vigorous, Fantasia performs best in warm temperate climates with full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a great fit for home orchards, food forests, and permaculture systems where early spring blossoms can support pollinators and the fruit provides high nutritional value in midsummer. With proper pruning, it stays manageable and productive in both backyard and small-scale regenerative orchards.

Key Characteristics

• Two-stage ripening for extended harvest
  Fantasia offers an early crop in mid-July that is firmer and more tart, followed by a second harvest of intensely sweet, fully ripe fruit. This gives gardeners an extended window of fresh nectarines from a single tree.
• Large, showy fruit with balanced flavor
  Fruits are large and smooth-skinned with a bright red blush over golden-yellow skin. The yellow flesh is juicy, aromatic, and freestone, making it easy to prepare for fresh eating, canning, or baking.
• Self-fertile and highly productive
  No pollination partner is required, though productivity may increase with nearby peaches or nectarines. Consistent yields and reliable performance make Fantasia a dependable choice for home orchards.
• Valuable spring nectar source for pollinators
  In early spring, Fantasia covers itself in pink blossoms that attract bees and other beneficial insects. It's a beautiful and functional addition to food forests and orchard guilds.
• Well-suited to permaculture and regenerative systems
  Fits well into fruit tree guilds and layered plantings. Combine with dynamic accumulators, pest-repelling herbs, and nitrogen fixers to support soil health and fruit production.

Product Details

• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom time: Early spring
• Bloom color: Pink
• Fruit qualities: Large, red-blushed skin, yellow flesh, juicy, sweet-tart, freestone
• Fruit uses: Fresh eating, baking, canning, drying
• Fruit ripening month: Mid-July through early August
• Required chill hours: ~500–600
• Pollination requirements: Self-fertile
• USDA Hardiness zones: 6–9

Fantasia is an excellent nectarine for gardeners who want outstanding flavor, showy fruit, and an extended harvest window. With minimal care and no pollination partner needed, it’s a top performer in regenerative orchards and backyard food systems.