All About Growing Apricot Trees
Apricot trees are a wonderful choice for home gardeners, as they are relatively easy to grow and produce delicious, nutritious fruit. Here’s everything you need to know about growing apricot trees, from choosing the right variety to caring for your tree throughout its lifetime.
Choosing the Right Apricot Tree Variety
The first step in growing apricot trees is to choose the right variety. There are many different varieties of apricot trees available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:
- Royal Blenheim: A classic apricot variety known for its large, sweet fruit.
- Moorpark: A large, flavorful apricot variety that is well-suited to warm climates.
- Tilton: A smaller apricot variety that is known for its early ripening fruit.
- Harglow: A hardy apricot variety that is well-suited to cold climates.
- Goldrich: A high-yielding apricot variety that produces large, golden-orange fruit.
When choosing an apricot tree variety, it is important to consider your climate and the size of your yard. If you live in a cold climate, you will need to choose a hardy variety that can withstand freezing temperatures. If you have a small yard, you may want to choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety.
Planting Your Apricot Tree
Once you have chosen an apricot tree variety, it is time to plant your tree. Apricot trees prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They also need full sun to produce the best fruit.
To plant your apricot tree, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree deeply and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
Caring for Your Apricot Tree
Apricot trees are relatively low-maintenance trees, but they do require some basic care to produce the best fruit.
Watering: Apricot trees need about 1 inch of water per week, especially during the hot summer months. Water your tree deeply, allowing the water to penetrate down to the roots.
Fertilizing: Apricot trees should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the specific amount to apply.
Pruning: Apricot trees should be pruned in the late winter or early spring. Pruning helps to remove dead or diseased branches and to encourage new growth. When pruning, remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You should also remove any suckers that are growing from the base of the tree.
Harvesting Your Apricots
Apricots are typically ready to harvest in the summer. The fruit will be ripe when it is soft to the touch and has a slightly orange-yellow color. To harvest apricots, gently twist the fruit from the branch.
Once you have harvested your apricots, you can enjoy them fresh, canned, or dried. Apricots are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Troubleshooting Common Apricot Tree Problems
Apricot trees are generally healthy trees, but they can be susceptible to a few common problems, including:
- Pests: Aphids, scale, and mites are common pests of apricot trees. These pests can damage the leaves and fruit of the tree. To control pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Diseases: Apricot trees can also be susceptible to a few common diseases, including brown rot, powdery mildew, and shot hole disease. To control diseases, use fungicides.
If you are having problems with pests or diseases on your apricot tree, consult with a local nursery or garden center for advice on how to control the problem.
