The requirements for the winter quarters of your nectarine tree vary depending on whether it is a container plant or a tree cultivated outdoors. Particular care is required if a sustained warm phase sets in as early as February or March and the sap flow is stimulated early. A subsequent cold spell can have devastating effects on the flowers, which will freeze to death without protection.
How should you protect a nectarine tree in winter?
To protect a nectarine tree in winter, you should cover the roots with moss, humus, leaves or brushwood and, in severe frost, wrap the tree with fleece or jute. Potted plants need a frost-free winter quarters, e.g. E.g., garage, winter garden or garden house.
Winter protection especially for the roots
Nectarine trees, like other types of stone fruit, do not tolerate frost well, which is why they need sufficient winter protection in the cold season. In winter, the most important thing is to adequately protect the roots from frost. To do this, cover it with moss, humus, leaves or brushwood. You can wrap the trunk with fleece or jute for the first few years.
Late frost and rain as a danger to budding flowers
If the temperatures drop well below zero degrees, you should cover the nectarine tree with a fleece, although a blanket can also be used as an alternative. Since the nectarine tree begins to sprout flowers early, you should wrap them with fleece or jute when frost is forecast. This also applies to persistent cold rain, which can destroy the subsequent harvest.
Overwintering the nectarine tree in the bucket
For a nectarine tree in a pot, a cold location that is free of frost is important. Suitable as winter quarters
- the garage
- a tool shed
- a light-flooded attic
- the winter garden
- a garden house
- a protective house wall facing south
It is not necessary to bring the nectarine tree into the house as the temperatures here are regularly too warm.
Care during the winter rest phase
Above all, make sure that the nectarine tree is not exposed to drafts. Let the tree rest in the winter. If it is a container plant, only water it occasionally. Dryness should be preferred over moister soil. You should avoid locations that are too dark or illuminate them with special light lamps (€23.00 on Amazon).
Tips & Tricks
If you have planned to transplant a one-year-old nectarine tree in a pot outdoors after the winter phase, then the right time is the frost-free spring.
