Peaches originally come from southern China, and the sweet fruits have also been cultivated in the warm climate of Persia for around 1000 years. The peach tree loves the sun and loose and well-drained soil. Nevertheless, the actually heat-loving plant can also be overwintered outdoors in Germany.

Older peach trees are more robust

Perennial peach trees can tolerate temperatures down to minus 20 °C, ideally if they are well protected. However, young trees and peaches kept in tubs are much more sensitive. If possible, they should hibernate in a bright but not too cold place. A garden house (€24.90), a shed or even the stairwell are perfect, as long as they are not too warm. Similar to olives, peaches are not suitable for houseplants.

Danger of late frosts

The probability that your peach tree will freeze to death is basically only in very cold winters - unless you have chosen a particularly sensitive variety from southern climes (e.g. Red Haven). The greatest danger, however, is that the blossoms of the peach tree will freeze and the harvest will fail as a result. Peaches bloom very early in the year, depending on the variety and the weather, the first blossoms can already open in early to mid-March. Since it can still get very cold at this time of year, you may need to protect the delicate flowers with fleece or a blanket.5

Beware of late-ripening varieties

For the same reason, late-ripening varieties such as For example, the vineyard peach cannot be grown in the mountains or in northern Germany, but actually only in a wine-growing climate. The fruits do not ripen until September, sometimes even October - in a different climate they would not have a chance to ripen on the tree at all.

Preparing peach trees for winter

Overwintering a peach also includes the right preparation. You should prune the tree immediately after harvest and fertilize it for the last time in October at the latest. A thick layer of brushwood or bark mulch should be placed on the soil below the crown - i.e. where the roots are located. If it gets very cold, you can wrap the trunk and crown of the tree with fleece or sacking to protect it from the cold.

tips and tricks

Above all, the right location helps to keep a peach tree healthy over the winter. Peaches should be sheltered, perhaps against a wall (keep plant spacing!) or against a gable wall. A canopy can protect against leaf curl infection.

Category:

Trees