Apple trees come in many thousands of varieties around the globe. Since they are generally more sensitive to heat and drought than to winter cold phases, overwintering mature trees is usually not a problem.

Vulnerabilities for the apple tree in winter

A healthy apple tree can withstand brief temperature drops to minus 25 degrees in winter without any major problems. However, there can be various reasons for an increased risk in winter:

  • young tree in pot
  • incorrectly chosen planting time
  • Error in cutting
  • weakened by diseases
  • severe fungal infestation

If possible, an apple tree should not be grafted just before the onset of winter if the seam in the bark is to grow together before the temperatures drop below zero. Winter is basically the right time for a cut, but this should only be done when the temperatures are mild from January to March.

Overwinter apple trees in pots

A young seedling or a tree grown from a core can also be cultivated in a pot on the balcony or terrace. However, the tree should be planted in a generously sized pot. Since the roots of potted plants can still be endangered by sub-zero temperatures in winter, sheltered overwintering may be advisable.

Do not hibernate too dark, warm or dry

Since the apple tree is not a typical houseplant, it must not be overwintered like one. The tree should not be in the pot directly in the warm room. A moderately cold location such as a shed or an unheated cold frame is better suited for overwintering. The apple tree needs sufficient water and light even in winter. Alternatively, a potted apple tree can be buried in a sufficiently large hole in the ground over the winter to protect the roots from the winter cold.

tips and tricks

Sub-zero temperatures are actually only dangerous for an apple tree if there is another sharp drop in temperature after the beginning of the apple blossom and the budding. However, you cannot influence this anyway if it is not a tree in a pot.

Category:

Trees