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Apple tree

The apple tree is mainly grown in wet and cold areas, as in order to thrive it needs the temperature not to exceed 29oC during the summer months. On the other hand, it is particularly resistant to the cold.

Areas close to a wet element, sea, lakes or rivers, are considered more suitable for its cultivation, as they present reduced chances of frost, which can affect the flowering of the tree in the spring. Also, its fruiting is enhanced in areas with high altitudes, where red, high-quality apples are traditionally cultivated. In lowland areas, yellow and green apples are more common. The composition of the soil does not affect the cultivation of apple trees, as long as the soil has the property of draining well and the pH is between 6.5-7.0.

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Kiwi tree

Relatively mild winters and humid, hot summers are needed for the kiwi bush plant to thrive. As a plant, it is quite sensitive to strong winds, especially during spring, which makes it almost forbidden to place it in areas affected by strong winds, while coastal areas are also avoided. To thrive, kiwifruit needs fertile soils, with a pH of 5.5 to 7. They must also have good drainage, be rich in organic matter and ideally acidic, with a low content of calcium carbonate.

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Pear tree

The pear tree is mainly grown in areas with hot, dry summers and cold winters, as long as its exposure to frost is avoided, especially during the spring flowering period. In addition, the many rainfalls, especially during the spring and summer period, do not favor it, at the same time that it is particularly resistant to high summer temperatures (30 – 35oC).

For its planting, the most suitable choice is fertile soils of medium texture, with a neutral pH of ~ 7.5, good aeration and drainage alike, while dry calcareous soils should be avoided.

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Apricot tree

The apricot tree is extremely resistant to low temperatures, which can reach up to -40 oC without threatening it. Nevertheless, during the period of the young fruits, it is particularly sensitive to areas of high humidity.

To thrive, the apricot tree requires fertile, deep soils with a pH of 6-7.5, and good drainage. In addition, it is recommended to avoid planting apricots in fields that were used for horticultural crops in the last four years before apricots were grown.

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Peach tree/ Nectarine tree

Both the peach tree and its close relative, the nectarine tree, adapt to a variety of soil and climate environments. They thrive in areas with temperatures as low as -15oC, but must be protected from frost during flowering, with varieties intended for the canning industry, being even more sensitive compared to table varieties. When grown in areas with a hot summer, where the temperature reaches up to 35oC, it gives better fruits.

The soils that favor its planting are deep, with good drainage, with a relatively low percentage of calcium carbonate and a pH of 6-7.5. Its enemies are excessive moisture and poor aeration that can cause the tree’s leaves to become chlorotic and fall.

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Cherry tree

Particularly demanding in relation to climatic conditions, the cherry tree requires increased cold in winter (indicatively it is stated that it needs up to 1300 hours of temperature below 7 oC), cool summer, and most importantly, favorable climatic conditions during the flowering period, as its flowering buds are very sensitive to spring frosts. Double or twin fruits are common in areas with particularly hot summers. At the same time, very high temperatures at the end of spring, as well as rainfalls before harvest, can also cause the typical tearing of the fruits. Deep soils with good drainage and a pH between 5.5 – 8 are best suited for cultivation.