How to Grow Apricots
Below is a comprehensive guide on how to successfully grow apricots, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your crop.
Selecting the Right Variety
Climate Considerations: Apricots generally thrive in regions with cold winters (for proper dormancy) and warm, dry summers. Before purchasing a tree, check the hardiness zones for specific varieties to ensure they will do well in your region.
Popular Varieties: ‘Blenheim’ (great flavor), ‘Moongold’ and ‘Sungold’ (often grown in colder regions), and ‘Tomcot’ (early ripening, sweet) are some commonly available cultivars. Research which varieties are recommended for your local area.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Apricots need full sun—at least 6–8 hours a day. Full sun exposure helps ensure proper fruit ripening and the best flavor.
Soil Requirements: They prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0–7.0). If soil drains poorly, consider planting in raised beds or berms to avoid waterlogged roots.
Spacing: Standard apricot trees can grow 15–20 feet tall and wide, while dwarf varieties can be maintained at 8–10 feet. Be sure to give them enough room to spread.
Planting
Timing: In colder climates, plant apricot trees in early spring once the ground is workable. In milder climates, fall planting can give trees a chance to establish before winter.
Planting Method:
Dig a hole about twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and just as deep.
Gently loosen the roots before placing the tree in the hole.
Position the graft union (the swollen area near the base of the trunk) a couple of inches above the soil line.
Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost.
Water thoroughly and add a layer of mulch (3–4 inches thick) around the base, keeping it a few inches from the trunk.
Watering and Fertilizing
Watering: Young apricot trees need consistent moisture, especially during the first year. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. Mature trees typically need less frequent watering but benefit from consistent moisture while fruiting.
Fertilizing:
In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or well-rotted compost.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers once the tree is well-established, as excessive nitrogen can lead to more leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on application rates if using commercial fertilizers.
Pruning and Training
Timing: The best time to prune apricot trees is late winter or very early spring (while the tree is still dormant), though light summer pruning can help shape young trees.
Technique:
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood.
Thin out crowded branches to improve airflow and light penetration.
Prune to create an open-center or vase shape, promoting even fruit development.
Tip: Regular pruning not only shapes the tree but also helps reduce disease and pest issues, by allowing better air circulation.
Common Pests and Diseases
Brown Rot: A fungal disease that causes blossom wilt, twig blight, and fruit rot. Pruning for good airflow and applying preventative fungicides if necessary can help manage it.
Peach Twig Borer: A common pest for stone fruits, including apricots. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays or organic insecticides may be used when larvae emerge, typically in spring.
Aphids and Mites: These can distort leaves and stunt growth. Encourage natural predators (like ladybugs) and use insecticidal soaps or neem oil as needed.
Gumming: If you notice sap oozing from the trunk or branches, it can indicate disease or borer damage. Investigate and prune out diseased wood promptly.
Pollination
Some apricot varieties are self-fruitful (self-pollinating), but others benefit from cross-pollination with a second variety. Check the pollination requirements when selecting trees.
Even self-fertile varieties often produce heavier yields if another compatible variety is nearby, enabling better cross-pollination.
Harvesting and Storage
When to Harvest: Apricots are typically ready for harvest in late spring to mid-summer, depending on the variety and climate. The fruit is ripe when it has fully colored (from greenish-orange to a vibrant orange or blush) and is slightly soft to the touch.
Harvesting Tips: Gently twist or cup the fruit in your hand—if it comes away easily from the stem, it is ready.
Storage: Fresh apricots can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1–2 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning, drying, or freezing them to enjoy their flavor year-round.
Ongoing Care
Weed Control: Keep a mulched area around the base of the tree to reduce weed competition and retain soil moisture.
Regular Inspection: Check for any signs of disease or pests throughout the growing season. Early intervention is often the key to keeping trees healthy.
Annual Routine: Each year, repeat the cycle of pruning in late winter, fertilizing in spring, and monitoring for pests and diseases during the growing season.
Final Tips
Patience: It can take a few years for a newly planted apricot tree to produce a full crop. Don’t be discouraged if yields are light the first couple of seasons.
Protect Blossoms: Late frosts can damage apricot blossoms, drastically reducing the crop. In areas prone to spring frosts, consider covering trees during cold nights or planting in a protected microclimate (e.g., near a south-facing wall).
Experiment and Learn: Each variety and microclimate can present unique challenges. Keep track of what works (and what doesn’t) in a garden journal for future reference.
With proper care—selecting a suitable variety, providing adequate sunlight and water, managing pests and diseases, and pruning for shape and productivity—you can enjoy a homegrown harvest of sweet, succulent apricots right in your own backyard. Good luck with your apricot-growing adventure!