Does the fruit grow here too?

South-western growing areas

The cultivation of sweet temptations brings impressive results beyond the Alps to the Rhine region. A rich harvest goes well with high quality Fruits. These are characterized by their appearance and tasty pulp.

Unfavorable conditions dominate

In contrast to the main cultivation areas such as Turkey, South Africa, Spain or France, natural phenomena such as storms, hail, rain and Diseases the apricot cultivation in Germany. The warmth-loving fruits often end in an apricot lover's dream.

In addition, there are incalculable risk factors from late frosts. This mainly applies to Apricot varieties with early flowering in April. Although the trees are sometimes very hardy when they are dormant, they are sensitive in the spring. Wood and bark damage are now part of everyday life. News reports again and again about missing apricot harvests due to heavy frosts. The cultivation turns out to be uneconomical.

Climatic advantages of the wine-growing areas:

• Air dryness
• high temperatures

Regional apricot trade

The resulting uncertainty in yield limits apricots to a niche crop. This primarily enjoys a high reputation on regional markets. In small areas, the cultivation takes place exclusively for direct marketing.

Sober outlook

At the scientific level, experts are testing new methods of flower thinning. These should prevent the unfavorable overhang of the high-yielding harvest years. The focus is also on new varieties. Since these are often no longer self-fertile, this procedure ends in complex contexts, since suitable pollinator insects and pollinator varieties have to be integrated into the overall concept. Nevertheless, nothing will change in terms of cultivation volume for German gourmets in the long term.

Tips & Tricks

With optimal site conditions, you can also enjoy delicious apricots at home garden to harvest.

FT