Apricot
Also known as
Common apricot, Armenian plum, Apricot tree
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Prunus armeniaca, commonly known as apricot, is a deciduous fruit tree in the Rosaceae native to Central Asia and China, widely cultivated across temperate regions. Typically 4–8 m tall with a spreading canopy, it bears early spring blossoms ranging from white to pale pink on bare spurs, making it highly susceptible to late frosts. Leaves are broadly ovate with serrated margins; fruit are velvety drupes maturing to golden-orange with sweet, aromatic flesh and a single stony pit. Many cultivars are self-fertile, though cross-pollination by bees improves set. Apricots prefer well-drained loams, slightly alkaline to neutral soils, hot, dry summers, and cool winters with adequate chilling hours. While somewhat drought tolerant once established, consistent moisture during fruit development enhances size and quality. Common challenges include brown rot, bacterial canker, shot hole, aphids, and borers; careful pruning for light and airflow is essential. In frost-prone sites, choose later-blooming cultivars or aspects that delay bloom.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Apricot
Water
Water deeply and infrequently to wet the root zone 45–60 cm. In the first year, irrigate weekly in dry weather (about 25–40 mm). Mature, in-ground trees usually need 25–50 mm per week during active growth; provide deep irrigation every 7–14 days during drought. Reduce watering once leaves yellow in autumn and keep nearly dry in winter dormancy, except in containers. Avoid waterlogging; ensure excellent drainage. Mulch 5–8 cm, keeping it 10–15 cm from the trunk to moderate evaporation and soil temperature.
Light
Requires full sun for best flowering and fruiting—aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily. In warm regions, gentle afternoon shade on the trunk can reduce sunscald, but the canopy should remain sunlit and well-ventilated. Avoid shaded, enclosed courtyards that trap humidity and encourage disease. In cooler climates, a south-facing wall (espalier) can improve heat accumulation, but in frost-prone sites, a slightly cooler aspect helps delay early bloom and mitigate frost damage.
Nutrients
Feed based on soil tests. In early spring before budbreak, apply a balanced fruit-tree fertilizer (e.g., 8-8-8 or 10-10-10) at a rate appropriate to tree size and vigor. Avoid high nitrogen late in summer, which prompts tender growth and raises brown-rot risk. Side-dress with compost and maintain a 5–8 cm organic mulch. In calcareous soils, monitor for iron chlorosis and use chelated iron if needed. Apricots can be sensitive to boron—apply only if a test confirms deficiency.
Temperature
Best in USDA zones 5–8 (some cultivars 4–9). Needs roughly 400–900 chilling hours below 7°C to break dormancy, yet blossoms are damaged by late frosts (about −2 to −4°C). Ideal growing-season temperatures are 18–30°C with low humidity. Wood may survive to −25°C depending on cultivar and acclimation. In frost-prone areas, favor north/east aspects to delay bloom or deploy frost protection at flowering. Prolonged heat above 35°C during fruit set can reduce yield and quality; ensure irrigation and mulch in heat.
