Frost Tolerance of Apricots and Peaches

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Growers of apricots and peaches often wonder at what temperature fruit buds are killed.  These two tree fruits bloom very early and are often caught by a late frost. The following will give you some guidelines but remember that the actual damage is going to be influenced by the weather before the temperature drops. An extended warm spell before the cold snap may result in more damage due to a loss in cold hardiness.  The stages listed are for the fruit buds.

Apricot
Stage             10% Kill (°F)    90% Kill (°F)
First white            24            14
First Bloom            25            19
Full Bloom            27            22
In the Shuck            27            24
Green Fruit            28            25

Peach
Stage                                 10% Kill (°F) 90% Kill (°F)
Swollen bud 18                                  2
Half-inch green 23                                  5
Pink 25                                18
Bloom 27                                 24
Petal fall 28                                 25
Fruit set 28                                 25

To check for low temperature injury to fruit buds or blossoms, use a sharp knife and cut them in half longitudinally (from top to bottom).
If the tiny seed in the center is white to cream color no damage has been done. But if the seed in several buds or blossoms is dark brown or black, it has been killed.
It is possible to give some protection to blossoms from freezing by covering the tree with a bed spread, blanket or similar fabric.
Old-fashioned Christmas lights distributed around the tree will help to give additional protection. The newer, smaller Christmas lights do not give off enough heat and are not recommended. Of course the practicality of this method of protection depends upon the size and number of trees.
Sprinkling the tree with water throughout the freezing period can also protect the blossoms. Sprinklers should be started before the temperature drops to freezing to be sure ice does not block the garden hose or water line. Continue until the temperature warms. With this protection method, there is the potential of creating an ice storm. If temperatures remain below freezing for several hours, ice will accumulate on the branches and limbs. The weight from the ice may cause branc

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