Technical sheet of the Honey Royale (cov) nectarine variety with yellow flesh
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Fruit flesh color: Yellow
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Average fruit size: Large size, AA and A dominant
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Fruit shape: Oblong or oblate (slightly flattened)
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Tree size: Vigorous with a semi-erect habit
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Fruit Maturity: Late, about 3 to 4 days after the Zee Glo variety. Also observed around mid-July.
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Fruit taste: Very good taste quality, sweet and aromatic, with a low acidity level
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Earliness of the variety: Late, mid-season
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Fruiting period Generally late July - early August in France
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Disease resistance and storage: Good fruit storage after harvest. No specific information on disease resistance is mentioned.
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Variety yield: High yield potential, around 40 to 45 tonnes/hectare.
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Commercial use: Variety combining good agronomic potential and attractive, high-quality fruits for the market. Well adapted to different growing regions.
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Is this a COV variety? Yes
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Comments: Variety obtained by Zaiger Genetics in the United States.
Quick read / the essentials on Nectarinier Honey Royale®
Honey Royale® (cov) is a premium yellow-fleshed nectarine variety from the Zaiger Genetics breeding program in California. Protected by a Plant Variety Certificate, it is distributed in France by IPS. It is distinguished by its large size (2A/AA dominance), its attractive oblong shape , a bright red skin of over 80% , and a juicy, sweet, low-acid yellow flesh , with a high Brix of around 14. This mid-season variety finds its strategic place between mid-July and early August, a period of high demand on the fresh market.
At Arboriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of nectarine plants , we recommend Honey Royale® (cov) for its excellent post-harvest performance , its ability to be harvested in several passes , and its high yield potential (up to 45 tonnes/ha). Its vigorous tree, with an upright to semi-erect habit, is self-fertile, and can be adapted to different types of soil thanks to proven rootstocks such as GF 677, Cadaman® or Montclar®.
Buying Honey Royale® nectarine plants from Arboriverse means choosing a reliable, technical and attentive partner, with certified plants and personalized support. As a specialist wholesale supplier of nectarine plants , we support professionals wishing to secure their production and integrate a high-performance variety. Buying Honey Royale® nectarine plants means integrating a mid-season reference into a profitable and qualitative production route.
Origin and varietal status
The Honey Royale® (cov) yellow-fleshed nectarine tree is a variety protected by a Plant Variety Certificate , developed by Zaiger Genetics in California (USA) . It belongs to the HONEY series, recognized for its taste qualities and commercial presentation. It is now distributed in Europe under the authority of the publisher International Plant Selection (IPS) . The variety is intended for commercial cultivation, particularly in the production of fruit for fresh consumption.
Fruit characteristics
The fruits produced by Honey Royale® (cov) have a large caliber , with a dominance in category AA or 2A , equivalent to a diameter greater than 73 mm. They offer an oblong shape , sometimes described as oblate , which gives a visually differentiating appearance on the market.
The skin is bright red on a yellow background , with a high coverage, often over 80%, giving an attractive appearance on the shelves . The flesh is yellow, sweet, juicy, slightly aromatic and low in acidity , with an estimated Brix level of 14 , which indicates a high level of natural sugar .
The core is semi-adherent , which partially facilitates peeling for fresh use or artisanal processing.
The fruit's stability on the tree is excellent , allowing for staggered harvesting. Good post-harvest firmness allows for widespread marketing, including in long supply chains.
Maturity period and harvest
Honey Royale® (cov) is a seasonal variety , ripening approximately 4 days before the Zee Glo reference . In France, harvest generally takes place between mid-July and early August , depending on regional climatic conditions.
This position in the varietal calendar makes it a strategic solution for producers aiming for mid-season supplies , a period of high demand on the fresh market.
Tree and vegetative behavior
The tree has strong vigor and an erect to semi-erect habit , promoting good aeration of the foliage and easy harvesting . The adult size of the subject is typically between 3 and 5 meters , to be adapted according to the planting densities chosen.
Although no specific requirements are reported, staking is recommended during the first few years , particularly in windy plots or plots with strong vegetative vigor.
The variety is described as having a high and regular yield , with a productivity of up to 45 tonnes/hectare , or 50 to 90 kg per adult tree depending on the cultivation conditions and the training system.
Fertility and pollination
Honey Royale® (cov) is self-fertile . It does not require another variety to produce fruit, which is an agronomic and logistical advantage . However, as with most nectarine trees, the presence of compatible varieties nearby can slightly improve cross-pollination and the quantity of fruit per tree .
Resistance to diseases and parasites
Available sources do not provide specific information on the disease resistance of Honey Royale® . Since nectarine trees are generally susceptible to fungal diseases such as peach leaf curl , brown rot or powdery mildew , it is recommended to implement preventive plant protection , particularly through copper-based treatments at bud break.
Concerning parasites , monitoring for aphids , particularly in spring, is important, as well as vigilance against attacks from mites or scale insects , depending on the region and plot history.
Adaptation to soils and climate
Although no specific data are available for Honey Royale® regarding its tolerance to drought or lime, general observations on nectarine trees suggest:
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Average tolerance to drought , provided good rooting and water monitoring during the summer period.
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A preference for well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils .
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Potential sensitivity to root asphyxiation , hence the importance of choosing the rootstock carefully according to the soil conditions.
Recommended rootstocks
Compatible rootstocks for growing Honey Royale® in France include:
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GF 677 : very vigorous, suitable for calcareous and dry soils .
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Cadaman® Avimag : vigorous, resistant to root asphyxiation , recommended for replanting .
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Montclar® : moderate vigor, good adaptation to fertile and balanced soils .
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Julior® Ferdor : semi-vigorous, suitable for deep and fertile soils , good compromise for intensive orchards .
The choice of rootstock must be adjusted according to the characteristics of the soil, water constraints and production objectives .
Commercial use
Honey Royale® (cov) stands out for its strong attractiveness on the fresh market , due to its careful presentation, its sweet and balanced taste , as well as its good transportability .
It is particularly suitable for:
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Direct sales and short circuits ,
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Large-scale national distribution and export ,
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Demanding markets looking for a visually attractive and tastefully qualitative product.
Although no data suggest a dominant use for processing, the characteristics of the fruit (firm flesh, sweet taste, semi-adhesive stone) could be suitable for artisanal processing (compotes, jams, pastries) .
Conclusion
Honey Royale® (cov) is a seasonal, productive, attractive and tasty yellow-fleshed nectarine variety , with a large size , bright red skin , sweet and juicy flesh , and good firmness after harvest . Its vigorous, self-fertile tree , adaptable to different types of soil, makes it a strategic choice for producers wishing to promote a premium variety in the middle of the commercial campaign .
Its high yield and consistent quality are assets for intensive or diversified operations .
To summarize: Honey Royale® Nectarine
Honey Royale® (cov) is a yellow-fleshed nectarine with high market value on the fresh market. Its shiny red skin , sweet and firm flesh , and remarkable post-harvest stability make it a sought-after fruit for short supply chains, mass distribution and export. Self-fertile, vigorous and adaptable to many pedoclimatic contexts (via GF 677, Montclar®, Cadaman®, etc.), this nectarine tree fits perfectly into a professional orchard aiming for yield, reliability and commercial presentation.
Arboriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of nectarine plants , offers Honey Royale® (cov) in certified plants, accompanied by adapted technical recommendations. Thanks to its harvest window in mid-July/early August , the variety is positioned in a strategic period of the campaign, with a fruit in high demand, particularly appreciated for its balanced taste and impressive size. Its high yield potential (up to 90 kg/tree) makes it a strategic choice for commercial or intensive orchards.
Buying Honey Royale® nectarine plants from a specialist nectarine plant wholesaler such as Arboriverse means investing in a reliable, profitable variety with strong potential in the French and international markets. Buying Honey Royale® nectarine plants means integrating a leading HONEY variety into your fruit growing strategy, perfectly suited to quality production.
