Apricot (Dwarf) Growing Guide

Prunus armeniaca

Apricot (Dwarf)

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Deep, moisture-retentive but well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.

Position

Apricots need full sun to limit disease and produce high quality fruit.

Frost tolerant

Yes, but it is important to choose varieties known to grow well in your area to reduce risk of losing blooms to spring freezes in cold areas.

Feeding

Feed with balanced organic fertiliser in early spring. Keep the area beneath apricots mulched with wood chips, straw, or another mulch that helps maintain soil moisture.

Companions

Corridors within the orchard that are planted with clovers and other legumes contribute to soil fertility and attract pollinators.

Spacing

Single Plants: 3,00m (9' 10") each way (minimum)
Rows: 3,00m (9' 10") with 3,00m (9' 10") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant in winter while they are dormant. This gives them a chance to settle and develop their roots before putting their energy into spring growth. Prepare a large hole by breaking up the soil and adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter. A wide hole is better than a very deep one. Mulch after planting, and encircle the trunk with a wire cage or protective pipe to protect the young tree from animal and insect pests. Young apricot trees are at high risk for damage from insects that bore into the main trunk.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Prune apricots in late winter.

Harvesting

Harvest when the fruit is soft and can be pulled easily from the tree. Ripe apricots fall to the ground.

Troubleshooting

Dieback and oozing resin can often be remedied by improving growing conditions. Mulching, watering, feeding, weeding and hard pruning can all help. In humid climates, apricots often develop problems with fungal diseases such as brown rot. Preventive sprays with organic fungicides are often needed to grow good quality apricots. Plum curculios feed on buds, flowers and unripe fruits. Control by allowing hens to feed around trees, or shake branches to dislodge the insects onto a sheet then plunge into very hot water. Remove any fallen fruits as soon as possible.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Apricot (Dwarf)