When Is The Best Time For Planting Fruit Trees
Spring is usually the best time to plant fruit trees in most regions. Depending on the tree, the timing of planting might vary.
Fruit trees plants tend to grow fast during their initial days. They try to spread and strengthen their roots. The metabolic cycle of most fruit plants is well suited for spring.
Few benefits of planting fruit trees by spring are
- The soil is warm and dry, this condition is suited for new plants.
- Summer is at least three months away, this gives the new plant time to adjust to the new environment before facing the stressful heat
- There climate is very mildly cold which is quite conducive for growth.
- There is plenty of sun available, especially the afternoon sun. This is again is an important factor for growth of new plants.
If you live in regions where you face early spring heat, where the onset of summer is quicker, then you might need to consider planting your trees a little early.
Most trees do well during spring, but they do better if you consider the chill requirements. Some trees prefer longer hours of cold climate while some prefer shorter duration of cold hours.
So depending on your region and climate, you can consider opting between one of the type of trees, the high chill trees and the low chill trees.
The High Chill Fruit Trees & Shrubs
These trees or shrubs require cold climatic conditions to do well. The temperature range should be below 47 degree F during the planting period for them to break dormancy and grow by spring.
Several apple trees, pears and other deciduous trees are labeled according to the amount of high chill hours required for successful growth.
Some examples of high chill fruits trees and shrubs are
- Apple: 400-1800 hours of chill
- Pears: 400-600
- Cherry: 700-1300
- Blueberry (northern): 700-1200 hours of chill
- Currant: 800-1500 hours of chill
- Gooseberry: 800-1500 hours of chill
The Low Chill Tress & Shrubs
These fruits grow well in mild climates. If the climate gets too cold for too long, they tend to die away. The number of chill hours that can be tolerated by these fruit trees or shrubs would be very less, for some it might even be zero.
Some examples of low chill fruit trees and shrubs are
- Avocado: 0 hours of chills
- Pomegranate: 100-200 hours
- Citrus: 0 hours of chill
- Kiwi: 200 hours of chill
- Blackberry: 200 - 700 hours of chill
- Grape: 100-500 hours of chill
You can check up with your local cooperative extension or the nursery on the chill requirements of the fruit tree you are planning to buy. If you are ordering the tree online, you can go through the chill requirements or talk to a call centre executive on the same.