A well-bearing apricot tree is a rare sight in this country. Is it because the sun doesn't shine long enough and doesn't shine strong enough in our latitudes? But it could also be that the winter's freezing cold thwarts his fruit planning. Let's take a closer look.

Apricot trees surprise with good winter hardiness

Excellent hardiness

It may surprise you, but this heat-loving tree withstands cold temperatures down to - 30 °C. Because of this, the apricot tree can theoretically be planted anywhere in our country. However, if you not only want to admire its leaves, but also harvest many aromatic fruits, things look different.

tips

Don't forget to water this fruit tree occasionally during snowless and dry winters.

Flowers do not tolerate frost

If the apricot tree does not bear fruit, it is usually due to the freezing cold during flowering, which is a real crop destroyer. Because while the tree remains vital even after long negative periods, its blossoms do not survive even short-term values around the freezing point.

The situation is made worse by the fact that this tree flowers quite early. The first flowers can appear as early as the end of winter. At a time when late frosts can still occur frequently. Especially in rough regions of the country.

Therefore, this tree has to get a sheltered location despite its good winter hardiness. Only there will he bear richly according to his size.

protect flowers

At the time of sprouting, it is important to keep both heat and cold away from the tree. That sounds contradictory at first, but the background is as follows: Too much sunshine would encourage the tree to sprout early. Frosts, on the other hand, would freeze any blossoms that might already be there. These measures are helpful:

  • Shade the tree in spring to delay flowering
  • especially on sunny days
  • regardless of the temperature
  • Protect blossoms/twigs from announced late frosts
  • Wrap branches with fleece
  • Warm the root area with a thick layer of straw or leaves

protect tribe

In winter, the apricot tree is only threatened by intense solar radiation in addition to the sub-zero temperatures. Then the shiny bark of the tree gets cracks on the side facing the sun.

Wooden slats, which are leaned at an angle on the trunk, shade the tree and thus prevent cracked bark. A white lime line also protects the trunk, as it reflects a large part of the sun's rays.

Apricot trees in tubs

An apricot tree remains hardy even in the bucket. Nevertheless, its pot should be wrapped in warming fleece and placed in a sheltered place. Alternatively, it can also come to a frost-free, bright winter quarters.

In the pot, the apricot tree must be watered modestly but regularly even in winter. Fertilizing, on the other hand, is no longer necessary. The tree should also be checked for pests and diseases at regular intervals.

Category:

Trees