Recognize and respond correctly

The walnut is troubled by late frosts

The walnut tree originally comes from

• from the Eastern Mediterranean,
• from the Balkan Peninsula and
• from Middle East and Central Asia.

In short: the walnut developed in warm climes.

Walnut trees were already cultivated in Germany in Roman times - but only in the (warmer) southwest. Overgrown walnut trees were (and are) mainly found in the mild winter regions of today's Federal Republic.

Given the origin of the walnut, it is not surprising that it is a frost-sensitive plant. The walnut tree does not cope well with late frosts in particular.

The most dangerous times for the walnuts are April, May and June. During these months, walnut trees develop leaves and flowers. During this critical phase, temperatures just below freezing point are sufficient for frost damage to result.

"Late frosts" after early spring

There is also a special type of "late frost": If spring sets in earlier than usual, if the temperatures rise early, the walnut tree feels stimulated - and is more likely to sprout. If a longer period of cold suddenly follows, the fresh shoots are exposed to the frost without protection and damage is inevitable.

Recognize frozen walnut tree

It's easy to tell if a walnut tree has frozen to death. A frost-damaged plant shows from one day to the next

• black leaves and
• brownish to black flowers.

How to save a frozen walnut tree?

Depending on whether the leaves or flowers are frozen, you can give your walnut tree suitable ones Measures help to recover, or have to rely on the pronounced self-healing power of the plant to trust.

Frozen leaves

You are not completely powerless against frozen leaves. However, you have almost no choice but to hope that your walnut tree will sprout again.

Watch the tree. New shoots should begin after a few weeks. With the right fertilizer, you give the plant additional strength. Also, be sure to keep your tree adequately hydrated.

Important: After the late frost, the walnut tree MUST sprout leaves. He needs them to survive. Without leaves, the walnut dies.

In addition, it does not make sense to cut off frozen leaves. This would only result in open wounds, which the tree would need even more strength to heal. It is therefore advisable to leave the disposal of the frozen leaves to the wind.

Are an exception grafted walnut trees. In this case, after the frosty night, you should cut off all frozen leaves. But leave the petioles standing. A few days later, new shoots sprout from the eyes. Then attach the lead shoot. After a few more weeks, carefully cut off the frost-damaged shoot.

Frozen flowers

Frozen flowers can mean a complete loss of harvest. In late frosts, the male flowers are always affected (they usually come out four weeks before their female partners).

In this case, there is only a realistic chance of one Harvest in autumnif there is another (healthy) walnut tree nearby.

Prevent damage from late frosts

Adult, large walnut trees cannot be protected from late frosts. They are just too big. With smaller trees, however, you can work well with a fleece. At least this measure helps to keep the damage within limits.

Note: With the planting With a late-growing variety, you reduce the risk factor "late frost" from the start.