Apricot Tree

Apricot Tree (Prunus armeniaca)

Apricot Tree is a sun-loving fruit tree with fragrant early spring blossoms followed by sweet, golden-orange fruit in early to midsummer. A rounded crown on manageable roots suits home orchards, edible landscapes, and large containers in warm, well drained sites.

Distinctive Features

Early bloom and naturally high sugar content yield richly flavored fruit for fresh eating, drying, or preserves. Many cultivars are self-fruitful, though a second tree can improve set and yield.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best bloom, sweetness, and color.
• Soil: Well drained loam or sandy loam; slightly acidic to neutral is ideal.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and fruit set, then allow the top inch to dry between waterings.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8, depending on cultivar and microclimate.
• Mature Size: Typically 15 to 25 ft tall and 15 to 25 ft wide; smaller on dwarfing rootstocks or with pruning.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Showy spring bloom and colorful fruit provide multi-season interest.
• Home Orchard: Productive staple for fresh eating, drying, and canning.
• Edible Landscape: Integrates fruit and shade into ornamental plantings.
• Espalier: Trains flat on warm walls to save space and protect blossom.
• Large Containers: Grows on dwarfing rootstocks in well drained pots with regular care.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply water during active growth and dry spells; reduce after harvest and in winter.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or after harvest to open the canopy, remove dead wood, and maintain height; avoid heavy midwinter cuts in very cold climates.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in early spring based on soil tests; avoid excess nitrogen that reduces fruit quality.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch ring to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Thin young fruit to 3 to 4 inches apart for size and branch safety; protect early blossoms from late frost where possible.

Why Choose Apricot Tree?

• Outstanding Flavor: High-sugar fruit for fresh eating and preserves.
• Early Harvest: Ripens ahead of many summer fruits.
• Manageable Size: Fits modest yards, especially on dwarfing stocks.
• Versatile Training: Suitable for open-center pruning and espalier.
• Seasonal Beauty: Fragrant bloom, glossy foliage, and glowing fruit.

Choose a warm, well drained site with full sun, prune to an open center for light and airflow, and thin fruit to ensure large, sweet apricots.