Hey there, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Are you looking to add some delicious, nutrient-packed fruit to your backyard orchard? Look no further than the apricot tree!
But wait, you may be thinking, “Apricots? Aren’t those the weird, fuzzy things at the grocery store that I never know what to do with?”
Well, let me tell you, fresh apricots straight from the tree are a whole different ballgame. They’re sweet, juicy, and so versatile in the kitchen. Plus, growing your own fruit is not only rewarding but it’s also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
But where do you start with growing apricots? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
This guide will cover everything you need to know to grow and care for apricot trees, from selecting the suitable variety to harvesting the fruit.
So let’s get started on your apricot-growing journey.
What Are Apricots?
First things first, let’s talk about what apricots actually are.
Apricots are a type of small fruit that grows on a deciduous tree. They’re a member of the Prunus family, which also includes other fruits like plums, cherries, and peaches.
Apricots fruits are smooth, orange-red skin and sweet with flavorful flesh. In terms of taste and texture, apricots are similar to peaches but are slightly sweeter and less fuzzy.
They’re great for fresh eating and perfect for baking, canning, and drying.
Now that you know what apricots are, you may wonder what makes them unique.
Well, apricots are packed with nutrients like Vitamin A and potassium and are also a good source of fiber. Plus, growing your own apricots means you can enjoy them at their peak of freshness, which makes all the difference in taste.
Choosing the Right Apricot Tree
Now that you know about apricots, it’s time to discuss choosing the right tree for your garden.
The Climate in Your Area
First, consider the climate in your area. Apricot trees need a warm, sunny location with well-drained soil.
They also prefer a Mediterranean-like climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
Tree Size
Next, think about how big you want your apricot tree to be. Apricot trees come in different sizes and shapes, from dwarf varieties that reach around 6-8 feet tall to standard varieties that can reach up to 20-25 feet tall.
If you have limited space in your backyard, a dwarf variety may be a better choice.
Self-Fertility
Another factor to consider is the tree’s bloom time. Some apricot varieties bloom early, while others bloom later.
This is important because if you live in an area with a short growing season, you’ll want to choose a variety that blooms later so that the fruit has enough time to ripen.
Taste and Quality
Finally, consider the taste and quality of the apricots. Some apricot varieties are sweeter, while others are tarter. Some have firmer flesh, while others are softer.
Ask for help from a local nursery or extension office for recommendations on which apricot variety will do well in your area and suit your taste.
With the right apricot tree, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying fresh apricots straight from your backyard.
Preparing the Planting Site
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect apricot tree for your garden, it’s time to prepare the planting site.
First, choose a location with plenty of sunlight, ideally at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day. Apricot trees need lots of sunlight to produce fruit, so the sunnier the spot, the better.
Next, make sure the soil is well-drained. Apricot trees do not tolerate wet feet, so avoid planting them in low-lying areas or places with poor drainage.
If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, you may need to amend it with organic matter before planting. This will help improve the soil’s structure and fertility and will also help retain moisture.
It’s also a good idea to test your soil’s pH before planting. Apricot trees prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur to lower the pH.
Finally, clear the planting site of any debris or weeds. This will help prevent competition for water and nutrients and make keeping the area around the tree weed-free easier.
Following these simple steps will give your apricot tree the best possible start in life.
Planting and Caring for Apricot Trees
Now that your planting site is prepared, it’s time to plant your apricot tree!
Planting the Tree
When planting, make sure to dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the root ball of your tree but no deeper. This will prevent the tree from settling too deeply into the soil. It further prevents water from pooling around the roots.
Backfill the hole with the soil you removed. Make sure to tamp it down firmly to remove any air pockets. Water the tree well, and add a 2-3 inch (5 – 7.5 cm) layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Apricots are typically propagated through grafting rather than growing from seed. This is because apricot trees grown from seed will not have the same characteristics as the parent tree and may not produce fruit of the same quality.
Watering and Fertilizing
Apricot trees are drought-tolerant but need regular watering during the first few years after planting to establish a robust root system. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Apricot trees do not need a lot of fertilizer to produce a bountiful harvest. A slow-release fertilizer applied in the early spring will provide the necessary nutrients for the tree to grow and produce fruit.
Pruning and Training
Apricot trees need regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage fruit production. Prune your apricot tree in late winter or early spring before the tree begins to leaf out.
For young trees, focus on training the central leader and removing crossing or rubbing branches. For mature trees, remove any dead, diseased or damaged wood, as well as any branches growing inward or crossing over each other.
Harvesting and Storing Apricots
Apricots are ready to be picked when they are fully ripe. This usually occurs in late June to early July, depending on the variety and climate.
To tell if an apricot is ripe, gently press the fruit with your thumb. If it gives slightly, it’s ready to be picked. If it’s still hard, it needs more time to ripen.
Pick apricots when they are fully ripe. Unripe apricots will not ripen once they are picked. And overripe apricots will be mushy and not suitable for eating.
Harvest apricots in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to help avoid sunscalds. When picking apricots, handle them gently to avoid bruising the fruit.
It’s best to use scissors or shears to cut the apricots off the tree rather than pulling them off by hand.
Storing Apricots
Apricots do not keep well at room temperature, so eating them within a day or two of picking is best. If you have too many apricots to eat, you can freeze them or can them for later use.
To freeze apricots, wash and pit them, then slice or chop them. Place the apricots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the apricots to a zip-top bag. Store them in the freezer for up to a year.
Apricots can also be canned for long-term storage. Be sure to follow safe canning guidelines for the best results.
Possible Problems
Growing apricots can be a fun and rewarding experience, but like all plants, they can also encounter some problems. Here are a few common issues you may encounter and how to address them.
Pest Infestations
Apricots can be susceptible to pests like aphids and scale insects.
Keep an eye out for small bumps on the leaves or branches, and consider using an organic insecticide to control the problem.
Disease
Apricot trees can be affected by diseases such as peach leaf curl, brown rot, and powdery mildew.
Proper pruning and sanitation can help prevent these issues. Consult a local nursery or agricultural extension office for treatment advice if you notice a problem.
Poor Fruit Production
If your apricot tree produces less fruit than you’d like, it could be due to a lack of pollination or improper pruning.
Make sure to plant apricot trees in an area with other apricot trees or other stone fruit trees to ensure adequate pollination.
Frost Damage
Apricot trees are sensitive to frost, so plant them in an area with mild winters or protect them with frost blankets during cold snaps.
It’s also worth noting that apricot trees are relatively short-lived, with a lifespan of around 15-20 years. So, remember that you may need to replace your tree at some point.
Conclusion
Congratulations on taking the first step to growing your own apricots!
Remember to choose the right tree, prepare the planting site, and care for your tree correctly. Don’t be discouraged if you encounter a problem; remember to take action quickly.
Happy harvesting!
