Apricot

Apricots need well-drained soil near pH 6.0-7.0 and a site with good air drainage because their early flowers are easily injured by freezes. Feed moderately according to soil tests, and maintain an open, sturdy canopy rather than forcing lush growth.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

180 in

First harvest

3–5 years

Tips

• Plant a climate-adapted grafted tree with the union above soil and check whether its cultivar needs a pollinizer.
• Water deeply while roots establish and during fruit growth, avoiding saturated soil and frequent trunk wetting.
• Use modest spring fertilizer only as soil tests and growth indicate, avoiding excessive nitrogen.
• Build the framework before carrying heavy fruit and prune in dry weather, using local extension timing to reduce canker risk.
• Thin crowded fruit, remove brown-rotted fruit promptly, and pick when apricots are fully colored, aromatic, and slightly soft.

Plant dormant grafted bare-root trees in early spring or container-grown trees in spring.