Climate zones for growing fruit trees in Europe
The USDA plant hardiness zones were originally established for the United States, but are now widely used for other countries. The hardiness zones are based on the concept of the average winter minimum temperatures. (When trying to understand what this means, note the words ‘average’ and ‘minimum’ in particular). The lower the number, the colder the winter climate in that area. Zone 3 is the coldest zone in which it is still generally possible to grow fruit trees. The warmest zone in Europe is zone 10, which corresponds to winter temperatures in the range -1C to 4C.
The climate zone is important for deciding the best time to plant fruit trees. It also affects which species and varieties can be grown, as well as the choice of rootstock for grafted fruit trees.
Our fruit tree search pages and product pages include details of the minimum USDA hardiness zone for each variety. Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice if you are not sure about the best fruit trees for your local climate.
Fruit tree planting periods and USDA hardiness zones in Europe
The USDA plant hardiness zones were originally established for the United States, but they are now widely used in other countries. They are based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. The lower the number, the colder the winter climate.
The climate zone is useful when choosing fruit trees, because it helps determine which species and varieties can be grown, the best planting period, and sometimes the most suitable rootstock for grafted fruit trees.
Our fruit tree search pages and product pages include the minimum USDA hardiness zone for many varieties. If you are unsure about the best fruit trees for your local climate, you can contact us for advice.
🇧🇪 Belgium
Belgium has a maritime climate, mostly in zone 8, and fruit trees can generally be planted at any time during the winter, provided the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Western Bulgaria, including Sofia, lies mostly in zones 7a and 7b, while eastern Bulgaria, nearer to the Black Sea, is typically in zones 7b and 8. Early spring is generally the best time to plant fruit trees.
🇨🇿 Czechia
Most of Czechia lies around zone 7. The best time to plant fruit trees is generally in early spring, once the ground has thawed and planting conditions are suitable.
🇩🇰 Denmark
Denmark has a mild maritime climate and lies mostly in zone 8. Fruit trees can generally be planted at any time during the winter, outside periods of frost or waterlogged soil.
🇫🇷 France
Most of western, central, northern and southern France lies in zones 8b to 10a, where winter minimum temperatures are usually not a major limitation for planting fruit trees.
Mountainous areas are colder, and spring planting is generally the safest option there.
🇩🇪 Germany
Much of Germany lies in zone 8, with winter minimum temperatures down to around -12°C in many areas. Late February is often a good planting period for fruit trees.
Areas near the Polish border and much of Bavaria are colder, often in zone 7, where spring planting is safer.
🇮🇪 Ireland
The island of Ireland lies almost entirely in zones 8 and 9. Fruit trees can generally be planted at any time during the winter, provided the ground is workable.
🇮🇹 Italy
Italy has a favourable climate for many fruit trees. Southern Italy is mostly in zone 10, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing. In these areas, fruit trees can generally be planted between December and February.
Northern Italy is mostly in zone 9, while mountainous areas in the north and centre are often in zones 7 and 8a.
🇭🇺 Hungary
Hungary lies mostly in zone 7. Planting fruit trees in late November may be possible in favourable conditions, but late February or early March is usually safer.
🇱🇹 Lithuania
Lithuania falls primarily in zone 6, with average winter minimum temperatures falling below -20°C. Fruit trees should generally be planted in early spring.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
The Netherlands has a mild maritime climate and lies mostly in zone 8. Fruit trees can generally be planted at any time during the winter, provided the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.
🇵🇱 Poland
With the exception of the Baltic coast, which is milder, most of Poland lies in zones 6b and 7a. The best time to plant fruit trees is generally in early spring.
🇵🇹 Portugal
The climate of Portugal is strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing in many areas. Fruit trees can generally be planted at any time during the winter.
🇪🇸 Spain
Apart from the Pyrenees and other colder mountain areas, most of Spain lies in zone 9 or above. In many regions, fruit trees can therefore be planted throughout the winter.
🇸🇪 Sweden
Southern Sweden is mostly in zone 7a, with minimum winter temperatures down to about -17°C. Coastal areas are milder, often around zone 8a. Central and northern Sweden are much colder, often in zones 5 or 4.
In colder parts of Sweden, fruit trees should generally be planted in early spring once the ground has thawed.