SV: Growing appples in a Mediterranean Climate
- Subject: SV: Growing appples in a Mediterranean Climate
- From: &* D* <g*@otenet.gr>
- Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2004 09:12:42 +0200
Roger, thanks a lot for your reply and good advice. I knew about pollination, and two of the varieties that I planted are "self-fertile" ie not in need of another variety to produce fruit. Bees are abundant here so that should be no problem. The pear graftings that I made three years ago have fruited and look just fine. I have grafted both appples and pears on the wild pear tee because it grows naturally here. Nor should the necessary chilling be a problem, at least not this year!! --this morning we had -3C and a very strong wind. I wonder what winter chill the apples need, freezing? Or just cold?
For central and northern Greece this unexpected cold must be a disaster: Athens reported -12C this morning and snow, the schools are closed... Even down here a lot of things froze in the garden despite protection... I am most sorry about an aloe barberae that has grown so well... good for the apple cuttings though....
The Greeks do indeed grow apples and some varities are delicious, especially one grown in the mountains around the town of Tripolis, not far from here. I have ordered two trees from the local nursery and hope they'll thrive down here too. If anyone wants to exchange scion wood, please contact me privately. I have a few Greek and Swedish cuttings growing (next year hopefully also a few English)
Thanks again!
Best,
Gunnar
