Apricots are wonderful trees that are self-fruitful, and don’t require a pollination partner to bear fruits. However, these early bloomers can be adversely affected by frost in a few regions. So, it is important to select a hardy variety and plant where the apricot tree will get some protection from sudden cold snaps. These trees also require at least 700-1000 chilling hours to set fruits.
see also: How to grow and care for Peach tree?
Apricot trees generally belong to the Prunus genus and are related to other stone fruit trees such as almonds, plumps and cherries. The velvety and blushed orange skin of the apricot tree has been cultivated for many centuries and is commonly known as an important food in many international cuisines.
Apricot tree: Key facts
| Botanical Name | Prunus armeniaca |
| Common Name | Apricot tree |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Plant Type | Fruit-bearing tree |
| Native Area | Central & East Asia |
| Mature Size | 15-30 feet in height with a similar spread |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (4.5-9 meters) |
| Flower Color | Pink to white |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Toxicity | Humans, pets |
Apricot tree: How to grow?
You need to choose a good spot with well-drained soil to grow an apricot tree successfully. These trees generally blossom early, so you should avoid low areas where late frost can be a problem. You should also check the soil drainage system before planting by doing a percolation test.
To do so, you need to dig a hole, fill it with water, and then measure the water drop after every hour- 2 inches per hour is ideal. You can then dig a hole twice the size of the root ball after ensuring good drainage, plant your apricot tree, and water it well.
Apricot tree: Care tip
Apricot tree: Soil requirement
Loose and well-drained soil is ideal for growing apricot trees. Boggy or wet soil is likely to bring on a host of diseases by simply affecting the leaves, branches, and roots of the plant.
Apricot tree: Water requirement
Apricots highly thrive with regular watering when they are young. Apricot trees rarely require supplemental water beyond the first growing season after planting.
Apricot tree: Sunlight requirement
Apricots generally grow best when planted in an area where they easily receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. You can also prune the trees annually in order to remove excess growth in the plant’s center so that the sunlight can easily penetrate the canopy.
Apricot tree: Fertilisers
Apricot trees do not require fertilisation when planted in the home. The native soil generally provides all the nutrients that the tree requires to grow and produce fruit well. However, you can test your soil to check its nutrient content if the growth is slow or stunted.
Apricot tree: Temperature
Apricot trees generally bloom in spring. So, the late spring freeze can damage its blossom and even prevent the tree from fruiting. But, you can reduce the chances that a freeze will kill the flowers by simply choosing an apricot variety that is hardy in your locality.
 Apricot tree: Pruning
You can prune apricot trees annually in late winter. You may begin by removing all the rubbing, broken, and diseased branches. You are also required to prune away vigorous stems that are also called suckers that often arise from the root or base of the tree trunk.
Apricot tree: Diseases and problems
The root diseases in apricot trees are common and show themselves by branch dieback, yellowing leaves, as well a general lack of vigor. Wet soil is sometimes the cause of root diseases.
How to propagate apricot trees?
Apricot trees are vegetatively propagated to maintain specific traits by often using stem cuttings in home gardens. In the fall, you’re required to take a 6-9 inches cutting from a one-year-old branch which is about as thick as a pencil. After that, you’ve to trim at a 45-degree angle, remove leaves from the bottom half, and simply dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
You can also plant it in a pot filled with damp sand or peat moss, and keep it in indirect and bright sunlight, and water regularly. You can transplant it to the garden once it shows new growth in spring.
Apricot tree: Toxicity
The apricot kernels generally contain the plant toxin known as amygdalin which converts to cyanide after eating. Cyanide poisoning can cause fever, nausea, insomnia, headaches, lethargy, thirst, joint and muscle pain and aches, falling blood pressure and nervousness.
FAQs
What is the best place to plant apricot trees?
These early bloomers can be adversely affected by frost in a few regions. So, it is important to select a hardy variety and plant where the apricot tree will get some protection from sudden cold snaps.
What is the mature size of apricot trees?
The apricot trees generally grow 15-30 feet in height with a similar spread.
How can I plant an apricot tree?
You can dig a hole twice the size of the root ball after ensuring good drainage, plant your apricot tree, and water it well.
What is the soil requirement for apricot trees?
Loose and well-drained soil is ideal for growing apricot trees.
What is the water requirement for apricot trees?
Apricots highly thrive with regular watering when they are young.
Does an apricot tree require sunlight?
Apricots generally grow best when planted in an area where they easily receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Does an apricot tree get affected by diseases?
The root disease in apricot trees are common and show themselves by branch dieback, yellowing leaves, as well a general lack of vigour.
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