Position
Plant your apricot tree in a spot where it will get full sun for the best fruits. They can tolerate some shade, but they will yield more fruit and grow more vigorously with more sun.
Size
Apricot trees can grow to about 8 to 10 metres tall. Plan the site before planting them, keeping the tree away from external walls, electrical lines and other trees. Plant it in a protected area, if possible, as strong winds can damage branches and leaves.
Soil Type
Apricot trees can thrive in most well-draining soil types, but prefer slightly acidic soil. Loosen the ground in the area before planting it about 1.5 metres deep in your normal garden soil.
Mulch
Apply organic mulch to your tree all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Watering
Water your apricot tree every second day after transplanting it for the first week. Thereafter, reduce your watering to twice a week in dry or hot weather for the next 2 to 3 months. Water it every couple of weeks in cooler weather if there is no rain. Too much water can cause root rot, but do not allow the roots to dry out completely.
Pruning
Prune the top and sides of your apricot tree regularly in spring and early autumn to prevent it from growing too large. This will also allow light into the centre of the tree, making it easier to harvest the fruit. Cut out dead or diseased branches completely whenever they appear and dispose of them immediately.
Fertilising:
Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months of our slow-release nitrogen-rich all plant fertiliser.
Pests and Diseases
Regularly inspect your tree for signs of pests and diseases. atch for signs of infestation and remove fallen fruit and debris to maintain good garden hygiene.
Prune trees to improve air circulation and reduce the spread of diseases. Remove and destroy infected plant debris to reduce disease spread.
Treat promptly or preferably use preventative measures by spray with agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) Spray EM Control regularly as a preventive against fruit flies. Start spraying the leaves as soon as they regrow in Spring and continue when they start fruit bearing.
Thinning Fruit
Thin fruit in early summer when they are small, to promote larger, healthier fruit and prevent branch breakage due to excessive weight.
Harvesting
Your apricots are ready to pick when they have changed colour from green to yellow-orange and are still firm but give in under a little pressure. If you keep them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight, they will ripen after being picked.
