az: Nectarines, like most stone fruit, go through a stage where they seem to just set there and do nothing. This is called pit hardening. The seed is developing but not the flesh. Then after a while the flesh starts to expand so the fruit gets larger and starts to change color. The fruit is ripe when the flesh begins to soften. That can occur as late as September for some of mine. So be patient, you may have a late ripening variety.

Is cost a concern? Would a ground cover work rather than a grass?

I have had that happen to Catts and seem to remember a dend with the same problem. I think its bacterial and would probably recommend an alcohol spritz or a q-tip. It is tough to get rid of and you will probably lose the plant. Try alcohol on a q-tip, full strength. Just wipe the black area being careful not to get it down into the crown. The leaf should dry up in a few days. You could try to cut the black area off with a straight edge razor and then wiping the cut edge with alcohol. I worry about spreading it further into the plant when cutting while the infection is active. You have nothing to lose, try the alcohol wipe first. Keep the plant in an open area with good air circulation. Don't overwater. Good luck, Jane

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