Content
- Germany's apricot production: Popular delicacies fight against natural forces
- Southwestern growing areas
- Unfavorable conditions dominate
- Climatic benefits of the vineyards:
- Regional apricot trade
- Sober view
- Tips & Tricks
Germany's apricot production: Popular delicacies fight against natural forces
Delicious apricots enjoy a high reputation throughout the Federal Republic. Despite innovative breeding their cultivation takes place primarily in mild wine regions. We report on current developments and distribution.
Southwestern growing areas
Behind the Alps to the Rhine area, the cultivation of sweet seductions brings impressive results. A rich harvest harmonizes with high quality fruits. These are characterized by appearance and a tasty pulp.
Unfavorable conditions dominate
In contrast to the main growing areas such as Turkey, South Africa, Spain or France, natural phenomena such as storms, hail, rain and diseases decisively influence the cultivation of apricots in Germany. The heat-loving fruits often end in a dream of apricot lovers.
There are also incalculable risk factors due to late frosts. This mainly concerns apricot varieties with early flowering in April. Although the trees are very frost hardy during the hibernation, they are sensitive in the spring. Wood and bark damage are now part of everyday life. News reports repeatedly about failing apricot crop due to heavy frosts. The cultivation proves to be uneconomic.
Climatic benefits of the vineyards:
Regional apricot trade
The resulting yield uncertainty limits apricots to a niche culture. Primarily, it enjoys a high reputation in regional markets. On small areas, cultivation is exclusively for direct marketing.
Sober view
On a scientific level, experts are testing new methods of thinning flowers. These are to prevent the unfavorable Überbehang the productive harvest years. In addition, the focus is on new varieties. Since these are often no longer self-fertile, this approach ends in complex contexts, as pase pollinator insects and Befruchtersorten must be integrated into the overall concept. Nevertheless, nothing will change in the long term regarding the quantity of German gourmets.
Tips & Tricks
In optimal conditions you can harvest delicious apricots in your home garden.
FT