We have a nectarine tree in full bloom and it’s supposed to freeze the next few nights - is there any way to protect it?
Help Ladies!!!!! We’ve got questions in posts 6 and 7 that I have absolutely NO CLUE how to answer.
We used to use plastic or canvas and “build” a shield around citrus and other fruit trees. Use rebar or something to drive into the ground and then attach a 2X2 or PVC pipe and make a frame for the shield.
If the temps will be in the low 20 range, and additional blanket (or a light bulb on the inside of the enclosure if it is close to an outlet) helps to keep them from freezing. All you need to do is raise the temps to 32 or more.
Too big to cover I assume? You could try spraying it with an anti-transpirant....something like Wilt-Pruf. Some of my truely obsessed rosarian friends use this.
In Florida, on the rare occasion there is a freeze, they turn on the sprinklers on the fruit trees to keep them from freezing. It works.
**is there any way to protect it?**
If you’ve got a sprinkler that will reach or a hose end with a fine mist setting, you might be able to keep the frost off. Good luck!
Re: Your Nectarine tree.
Dousing it with a hose so the water freezes over the blooms might save them; they do that with citrus crops. If it’s not too tall, you might be able to throw a sheet or a tarp over it. Mainly, you need to keep the cold air off of the blooms. (So don’t ask my why letting it ice over helps, because I don’t know!)
This happens to us up here in Southern Wisconsin from time to time with peaches, pears and apples.
I’ve TRIED to make sure I buy late-bloomers to guard against this, but we’ve had frosts and hard freezes after May 15th.
Then, all IS lost and you just have to wait for next year. :(
In Colorado we water the apples trees and other fruit trees...the thin layers of ice can protect the buds. Flowers will be gone though.