Apricot Tree Growing In The Home Garden

By: Kathee Mierzejewski

One of the most interesting facts about apricot trees is that they are self fruiting. This means that they do not require more than one tree for pollination. This means you can plant several trees in a larger area on your property, or you can have just one apricot tree growing in your yard.

Cold and your apricot tree

Apricot tree growing goes well in the areas where cherries also grow well. Apricot trees bloom early. There are times in apricot tree care where a late frost is a problem so be sure to plant your trees on higher ground. They blossom earlier than peaches do, so when it comes to apricot tree care, you want to plant them where you know the land gets the least amount of frost. Frost will kill the blossoms and will ensure your tree produces little to no fruit.

If you plant an apricot tree in the fall, you should realize that the winter can be too harsh on the tree and can injure it. One thing that can be done with regard to the care of apricot trees is to paint the bottom of the tree with a fast drying, non-caustic paint. This procedure will keep your apricot tree growing by protecting it from the cold and at the same time protecting it from extreme heat in harsh sunlight.

Care of Apricot Trees

Apricot tree care isn’t too terribly difficult. They are heat sensitive, so you don’t want them out in the middle of a field. You need to be sure your apricot tree care includes thinning of the fruit once it comes in. You will want to make sure you thin the fruits to 1 ½ to 2 inches apart. This ensures that the fruit will be larger. If you don’t thin the fruits, the fruits will be much smaller.

Feeding of Apricot Trees

Apricot trees require nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. The care of apricot trees requires it. They get this from the soil, so long as the soil is set up for apricot tree growing. It is important that when you plant the tree you make sure the soil is nice and firm and settled around the roots. This ensures they get the nutrients they need.

You can get the soil tested by an expert in soil testing, such as your local extension office. They will test the soil and let you know if you need to add any nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus in order to give your apricot tree care that it needs.