Protecting young pomegranate trees from cold
 

I wanted to ask if anybody has advice on protecting pomegranate trees from cold damage the least expensive way? Spring 2014 I planted Parfianka, Desertnyi, Eversweet, ect. Varieties. During the winter they survived temperatures in the teens no problem. Then in February the weather warmed up for several weeks. Some of the pomegranate trees started to bud out with new leaves. Then in March the jet stream dipped really low dropping the temperature down to 17 degrees. The trees then froze to the ground and re-sprouted from the ground in the spring. The winter was even a few degrees colder earlier that year with no damage. But I guess the flip flop, to boot, to flip flop weather was bad for trees that had already budded. The varieties Ariana, Saveh, & White Yadz received no damage. Even wonderful was damaged. Now I had already pre-ordered 350 pomegranate trees to plant this spring. So what is some advice to protect that many trees the least expensive way this coming winter during those late cold snaps? One guy told me that the first 3 years the pomegranate trees go through a juvenile stage. He said after the third year they are more cold tolerant. What is the least expensive way to protect pomegranate trees from the late cold spells until they get old enough to take colder weather?

Thanks!

Shane

Re: Protecting young pomegranate trees from cold
 

This forum is for Bananas

Re: Protecting young pomegranate trees from cold
 

Plant them under a dense banana canopy.

Re: Protecting young pomegranate trees from cold
 

I am now thinking about taking some pvc pipe to use to build a wind tunnel. I am going to use the flexibile pipe to form a dome over the trees. Then I want to put plastic on the outside of the pipe. Hopefully this will hold the warm air in long enough till the late cold snaps pass. If anybody else has some other ideas on winter protection, I would appreciate it?

Re: Protecting young pomegranate trees from cold
 

you'll get more help on here Tropical Fruit Forum - International Tropical Fruit Growers - Index