Ultra Dwarf Nectarine Harvest

I promised that I would tell you whatever happened with my nectarine.  Well, here it is. I got about 10 mini nectarines. They were DELICIOUS.  They were ready and falling off the dwarf tree about two weeks ago.  It was such a surprise how tasty the were.  I am so very pleased with this little guy.  I cannot wait to see what he will do after I prune him back in the fall.  I can already see little nodes developing on all the branches (actually, I am not sure at all what that means-- maybe I should do some research soon on when exactly and how I am supposed to prune this guy).  I wish this photo could really show off how small the nectarines really are.  The dimensions look funny. But that glass bowl they are sitting in is pretty tiny.  Not even really the size of a regular cereal bowl.  I'd estimate that the fruits were a bit larger than a golf ball.

Ultra Dwarf Nectarine

About a year ago Sandra and I went to Lowes browsing the veggie seedlings.  There was a sale on dwarf and full size trees.  I snagged this ultra dwarf nectarine for 5 dollars.  Seriously, 5 dollars.  I have no clue whether a nectarine will thrive in a pot in San Diego, but I guess we will all find out.  I potted it in a lightweight pot from Walmart (cost 20 bucks) and it did nothing.  It just chilled with its leaves until the fall when it dropped all its leaves and just looked like a few sticks-- a few sad sticks.  Then about a month ago I noticed it was growing some nubby things.  Well, those nubby things, it turns out are flower buds.  I snapped a picture this morning of the first flowers and you can even see the little leaves that are about to explode.
I cannot wait to see the whole tree full of these delicate pink flowers. I will just die if I open my curtains in the morning and see hummingbirds poking around the flowers.  Then I would just die again if it actually gives me some nectarines! I have pretty low expectations since I haven't ever seen a stone fruit tree anywhere in my neighborhood.  Time will tell.
Oh, and just to be extra adorable, I planted four June-bearing strawberries at the base of the tree.  It would be ridiculous to see big red strawberries living next to ripening nectarines.  Don't worry, if that happens I will definitely post some pictures.