Content
- Peaches are easy to overwinter
- Older peach trees are more robust
- Danger of late frosts
- Beware of late maturing varieties
- Prepare peach trees for the winter
- Tips & Tricks
Peaches are easy to overwinter
Peaches are originally from southern China, even in the warm climate of Persia, the sweet fruits have been grown for about 1000 years. The peach tree loves the sun as well as loose and well drained soil. Nevertheless, the actually heat-loving plant can also be hibernated outdoors in Germany.
Older peach trees are more robust
Perennial peach trees tolerate temperatures of up to minus 20 ° C, best of course well protected. However, young trees and peaches kept in tubs are much more sensitive. If possible, they should winter in a bright but not too cold place. Perfect are a garden shed, a shed or the stairwell, if this is not too warm. Like olives, peaches are not suitable for indoor plants.
Danger of late frosts
The likelihood that your peach tree will freeze is, in principle, only in very cold winters - unless you have chosen a particularly sensitive variety from southern climes (eg Red Haven). The biggest danger, however, is that the flowers of the peach tree freeze and for this reason the crop fails. Peaches bloom very early in the year, depending on the variety and weather, the first flowers can start already in early to mid-March. Since it can still be very cold at this time of year, you must protect the delicate flowers with a fleece or a blanket if necessary
Beware of late maturing varieties
For the same reason late maturing varieties such. B. the vineyard peach not in the mountains or in northern Germany, but actually only be grown in a wine-growing climate. The fruits do not mature until September, sometimes even until October - in another climate they would not have a chance to mature on the tree.
Prepare peach trees for the winter
To hibernate a peach is also the right preparation. You should prune the tree right after the harvest and fertilize it for the last time in October at the latest. On the ground below the crown - where the roots are - is a thick layer of brushwood or bark mulch. Should it be very cold, you can also wrap the trunk and the crown of the tree with fleece or burlap to protect it from the cold.
Tips & Tricks
Especially the right location helps to bring a peach tree healthy over the winter. Peaches should be protected, perhaps on a wall (keep planting distance!) Or on a gable wall. A canopy can protect against an infection with the curling disease.