A Comprehensive Guide on Growing and Caring for Apricot Trees

As a child, I have fond memories of summers spent along the Columbia River in Maryhill, Washington – a region known for producing some of the best stone fruits in the world.

The summers I spent there were filled with warm sun, wide brown rivers, and the sweet, tart juice of fresh apricots dripping down my chin. One of our favorite activities was buying loads of apricots from Gunkel Orchards in Maryhill and bringing them back to Montana to be enjoyed throughout the winter.

If you’re interested in growing your own apricot trees but don’t live in a region like the Columbia River Gorge, don’t worry! Apricot trees can thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, making them an ideal addition to your home orchard.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing and caring for apricot trees, from cultivation and history to harvesting, preserving, and cooking with the fruit.

What Are Apricots?

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Apricots, members of the Prunus genus in the rose family Rosaceae, are stone fruits known for having pits or stones in the center. They can live anywhere from 40 to 150 years under ideal conditions but typically last 10 to 35 years in a garden with proper care.

Apricot trees usually start bearing fruit by the time they’re three or four years old and will continue to produce for 20 to 25 years. The stone of an apricot contains a kernel with cyanide, so avoid eating it. Different apricot varieties can be clingstone, semi-cling, or freestone, depending on how easily the pit separates from the flesh.

Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. They are also a good source of iron, with dried apricots containing more iron than fresh ones. Eating dried apricots is a great way to boost your iron intake, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian.

Cultivation and History

Apricots are native to China and have been grown for thousands of years. They made their way to Persia, Syria, Greece, Spain, and eventually to California in the 18th century. The fruit has a long history, with ancient Greeks believing it originated in Armenia, leading to the botanical name P. armeniaca.

Apricot Tree Propagation

Apricots are best propagated through budding and grafting to ensure they grow true to the parent plant. They are usually grafted onto rootstocks of apricot, plum, or peach to protect against pests and diseases. Most home gardeners purchase grafted trees from nurseries to ensure a successful harvest.

How to Grow Apricots

Apricot trees can be grown directly in the ground, or dwarf varieties are suitable for container growing. When planting in the ground, choose a sunny location with loose, rich, and well-draining soil. Prepare the planting hole according to the size and type of tree you have purchased.

Water your trees once a week, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out. Prune your trees when they’re dormant, removing dead, broken, or diseased branches. Thin the fruits to one every three to four inches to ensure the remaining fruits grow larger and sweeter.

Growing Tips

Plant in a sunny location with loose, rich, well-draining soil.
Fertilize every spring with a fruit tree specific product.
Mulch with three inches of organic material.

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune your apricot trees when they’re dormant, removing dead, broken, or diseased branches. Also, prune crossing or inward-growing branches and shorten a few branches to maintain the tree’s shape. Thin the fruits to encourage larger and sweeter fruits.

Apricot Cultivars to Select

There are various apricot cultivars to choose from based on your location and preferences. Some popular varieties include Dwarf Blenheim, Golden Sweet, and Wenatchee, each with unique characteristics and flavor profiles.

Managing Pests and Disease

Apricot trees can be susceptible to pests like cervids, aphids, peach twig borers, and diseases like coryneum blight, gummosis, and perennial canker. Proper monitoring and early intervention are key to preventing and treating issues.

Harvesting Apricot Fruit

Harvest your apricots between June and August when they turn from green to yellow or orange and feel slightly soft to the touch. Store harvested fruits unwashed in a cool, dry place before consuming or processing them.

Preserving

Preserve your apricots by making jam, canning, freezing, or drying them. These methods allow you to enjoy apricots throughout the year and in various dishes.

Recipes and Cooking Ideas

Apricots can be used in a variety of dishes, from fruit salads to tarts to granola. Experiment with different recipes to find new ways of incorporating apricots into your meals and snacks.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and care for your own apricot trees, enjoying the fruits of your labor throughout the year. Whether you’re a novice or experienced gardener, apricot trees are a rewarding addition to any home orchard.

Quick Reference Growing Guide

An Appetite for Apricots

Apricots are a versatile and delicious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, dried, cooked, or preserved. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this comprehensive guide, you can successfully grow and care for your own apricot trees, reaping the rewards of fresh, homegrown fruit. Share your experiences and favorite recipes in the comments below and happy gardening!