Peaches originally come from southern China; 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.
Are peach trees hardy?
Peach trees are partially hardy, although older trees can withstand temperatures down to minus 20°C. Young and potted plants need protection in a bright, frost-free environment. Flowers are sensitive to frost and may require protective measures such as fleece or blankets in the event of late frosts.
Older peach trees are more robust
Perennial peach trees can tolerate temperatures down to minus 20 °C, and are best protected, of course. However, young trees and peaches kept in containers are much more sensitive. If possible, these should overwinter in a bright but not too cold place. A garden house, a shed or even the stairwell are perfect, as long as it is not too warm. Similar to olives, peaches are not suitable as houseplants.
Danger of late frosts
In principle, your peach tree is only likely to freeze in very cold winters - unless you have chosen a particularly sensitive variety from southern climes (e.g. Red Haven). However, the greatest danger is that the flowers of the peach tree freeze and because of this the harvest fails. Peaches bloom very early in the year; depending on the variety and the weather, the first flowers can appear in early to mid-March. Since it can still be very cold at this time of year, you will need to protect the sensitive flowers with a fleece (€72.00 on Amazon) or a blanket if necessary.5
Be careful with late-ripening varieties
For the same reason, late-ripening varieties such as For example, the vineyard peach is not grown in the mountains or in northern Germany, but is actually only grown in a wine-growing climate. The fruits do not ripen until September, sometimes even October - in a different climate they would have no chance of ripening on the tree at all.
Preparing peach trees for winter
Overwintering a peach also requires proper 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. If it gets very cold, you can also wrap the trunk and crown of the tree with fleece or burlap to protect it from the cold.
Tips & Tricks
Above all, the right location helps to keep a peach tree he althy over the winter. Peaches should be protected, perhaps against a wall (maintain planting distance!) or on a gable wall. A roof can protect against infection with curl disease.
