Apple trees are found in many thousands of varieties around the world. Since they generally react more sensitively to heat and drought than to winter cold phases, overwintering adult trees is usually not a problem.
How do you properly overwinter an apple tree in a pot?
To successfully overwinter an apple tree in a pot, plant it in a generously sized pot and choose a moderately cold location such as a shed or cold frame. Protect the roots from frost and provide sufficient water and light.
Weak spots for the apple tree in winter
A he althy apple tree can tolerate short-term drops in temperature to minus 25 degrees in winter without any major problems. However, there can be various reasons for increased risk in winter:
- young tree in pot
- wrongly chosen planting time
- Error editing
- Weakening by diseases
- severe fungal infestation
If possible, an apple tree should not be grafted until shortly before the onset of winter if the seam in the bark is to grow together before the freezing temperatures. Although winter is generally the right time for pruning, this should only be done when temperatures are mild from January to March.
Overwintering an apple tree in a pot
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 at risk from sub-zero temperatures in winter, it may be advisable to spend the winter in a protected place (€29.00 on Amazon).
Don't overwinter 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 placed directly in a warm room, even in the pot. 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. As an alternative, a potted apple tree can be sunk into a sufficiently large hole in the ground over the winter so that the roots are protected from the winter cold.
Tips & Tricks
Subzero temperatures actually only become dangerous for an apple tree if there is another sharp drop in temperature after the apple blossoms begin and with the budding. But you can't influence this anyway if it's not a potted tree.
