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How to grow Apricot

Prunus armeniaca

Apricots are small stone fruits that thrive in temperate climates, prized for their sweet, golden flesh and versatility in fresh eating, jams, and baking. Home gardeners love them for their beautiful spring blossoms and reliable harvests once established.

At a glance

β˜€οΈ Sun
Full sun, 6+ hours daily
πŸ’§ Water
Water deeply once or twice weekly during the growing season; reduce in winter and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
πŸͺ± Soil
Well-draining loam or sandy soil with pH 6.0–7.0; avoid heavy clay and waterlogged conditions.
πŸ“ Spacing
4–5 metres (13–16 feet) apart for standard trees; 2–3 metres (6–10 feet) for dwa
🧺 Harvest
2–3 years from planting for first fruiting; 4–5 years for full production
🎯 Difficulty
Moderate
πŸͺ΄ In a pot?
Yes, dwarf or grafted varieties work in pots, though they'll be smaller; use a minimum 60-litre (16 gallon) pot with excellent drainage.

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πŸ—“οΈ When to plant

Plant bare-root apricots in late autumn to early winter while dormant. In frost-prone regions, wait until early spring after the worst frosts have passed.

🌰 How to plant

  1. Choose a sheltered spot with full sun and excellent drainage.
  2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep; loosen the surrounding soil.
  3. Place the tree so the graft union (if present) sits 5 cm above soil level, then backfill and water thoroughly.
  4. Apply 5–10 cm of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.

πŸ’§ Care

  • Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain an open canopy and remove dead or crossing branches.
  • Thin fruit in late spring when walnut-sized to 8–10 cm apart for larger, sweeter apricots.
  • Feed with balanced fertiliser in early spring and again after flowering if growth is slow.
  • Watch for frost damage to blossoms in late spring and protect young trees with frost cloth if necessary.

🧺 Harvest

Pick apricots when they yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet fragrance; this is usually mid- to late summer depending on variety and climate. Ripe fruit detaches easily from the branch and tastes best eaten fresh.

πŸ› Common problems

Brown rot: Remove infected fruit and pruned wood immediately; improve air circulation by thinning branches and avoid overhead watering.

Aphids: Spray with water or use insecticidal soap in early spring before flowering.

Shot hole disease: Prune out infected twigs and apply copper fungicide in late winter before bud break.

Gumming: Ensure proper drainage and avoid wounding the trunk; remove gum deposits and monitor tree health.

🀝 Companion plants

πŸ’š Good neighbours: Basil, Nasturtiums, Borage, Other stone fruits (at distance)

⚠️ Keep apart from: Fennel, Walnut trees

🌟 Did you know? Apricots are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, domesticated in China over 4,000 years ago, and a single tree can produce up to 20 kg of fruit in a good year.

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General guidance; local conditions vary. All care guides Β· Privacy