A well-bearing apricot tree is a rare sight in this country. Is it because the sun doesn't shine long enough or brightly enough in our latitudes? But it could also be that the winter's icy cold thwarts his fruit planning. Let's take a closer look.
Is the apricot tree hardy?
The apricot tree is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -30°C, but its flowers are sensitive to frost. For a rich fruit harvest, the tree should be in a sheltered location and protected from sub-zero temperatures during the flowering period.
Excellent winter hardiness
It may surprise you, but this warmth-loving tree can withstand 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 lots of aromatic fruits, things look different.
Tip
In snowless and rainless winters, don't forget to water this fruit tree occasionally.
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 periods of negative temperatures, its flowers cannot survive short-term temperatures around freezing point.
The situation is made worse by the fact that this tree also blooms 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 harsh regions of the country.
That's why this tree needs a protected location despite its good winter hardiness. Only there will he wear we alth commensurate with his size.
Protect flowers
At the time of budding, it is important to keep both heat and cold away from the tree. That sounds contradictory at first, but the background is this: too much sunshine would encourage the tree to sprout early. Frosts, on the other hand, would cause any existing flowers to freeze. These measures are helpful:
- Shade the tree in spring to delay flowering
- especially on sunny days
- independent of temperature
- Protect flowers/twigs from predicted 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 at risk if intense solar radiation is added to the sub-zero temperatures. Then the shiny bark of the tree on the side facing the sun cracks.
Wooden slats that are leaned diagonally against the trunk shade the tree and thus prevent the bark from cracking. A white lime line also protects the trunk because it reflects a large part of the sun's radiation.
Apricot trees in pots
An apricot tree remains hardy even in a pot. Nevertheless, its pot should be covered with warming fleece (€72.00 on Amazon) and placed in a protected place. Alternatively, it can also come to a frost-free, bright winter quarters.
In the pot, the apricot tree needs to be watered modestly but regularly, even in winter. Fertilization, however, is no longer necessary. The tree should also be checked for pests and diseases at frequent intervals.
