# How To Grow Apricot Trees - Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/how-to-grow-apricot-trees/ - Published: 2026-10-24T02:13:39-05:00 - Author: Bert Swope The apricots are a fine addition to a home-growing repertoire. Apricot trees can be grown as fans, bushes, or pyramid-shaped examples, or left to grow to a natural shape. Dwarf varieties are available which can be grown in containers, small spaces in the landscape, or trained along walls so that apricot trees can be suitable for even the very smallest of gardens. ## Why Grow Apricot Trees? If you want to know why grow apricot trees, you should first understand their needs. These small fruit trees are quite vigorous and can quickly outgrow your existing trees. Pruning is necessary for good growth, and apricots will need pruning every year. The roots of an apricot tree are larger than those of other fruit trees. To plant an apricot, place it in the soil at the same depth as it was in the nursery. You will see the grafting point, which should be above the level of the surrounding soil. The roots of an apricot should be covered with at least two inches of soil. You can water it lightly in the winter, and once it begins to bloom, it will require pruning again. Appropriate watering will help your apricot tree grow and produce fruit. Since apricots are dependent on regular watering, you will want to water them regularly. This will encourage healthy growth, ensure a strong tree and healthy fruiting. By providing your apricot trees with the proper amount of water, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful fruit. The weight and size of your crop will be greatly increased. For optimal growth and fruiting, watering your apricot trees regularly is key from May to September. If you have a watering system installed, it will ensure that your apricot trees receive regular irrigation. Choosing a proper location is also important for growing an apricot tree. Sites with heavy clay soil and frequent frosts are not ideal for apricots. A good site for growing an apricot tree is a slope that is well-drained and has high air circulation. Soil with good drainage is also important. You should also consider planting apricot trees near water as they will require more water during the growing season. When choosing a location for your apricot tree, choose one that is near other fruiting trees. The plants should have at least 50 feet of space between each other. This will allow them to grow in the shade of neighboring trees and pollinate them for you. Choosing a location for your apricots will determine the quality of the fruit that you will get. The trees will also require shade to survive in harsh climates. The primary reason to grow apricot trees is to ensure that the climate is cool enough for them to flower. Apricot trees are the first fruiting trees to blossom, and pollination is essential for producing a high quality crop. However, unpredictable weather conditions can lead to poor fruit set, so be sure to plant them close to other trees for a better chance of getting fruit. You will be pleased with the results, but they will take several years. The apricot tree is easy to grow. Its name comes from the Latin praecocium, which means “precocious”. The apricot tree produces its sweet fruit in November to February. The height of the apricot depends on the variety, and the trunk may grow as tall as 40cm. The apricot tree is not too difficult to maintain. It will produce fruit if properly cared for. The apricot tree is a hardy perennial that thrives in well-drained soil. It grows well in a pot for as long as five years. The fruit will ripen between June and August and is a delicious and ornamental tree. It’s also easy to propagate and maintain. It requires little maintenance. Apricots are an attractive ornamental fruit that has a long shelf life. Pruning is an essential part of apricot tree care. To maximize apricot production, apricot trees should be pruned once a year. Generally, this will happen in the spring and fall. It’s best to prune out weak or outgrowing branches in order to create better air circulation. While apricot trees can survive in the winter, they need extra watering. The best time to plant apricot trees is in early spring, but you should consider planting them on higher ground for best results. While they can be transplanted easily, they need special care. They need deep, well-drained soil and plenty of organic matter to thrive and fruit. They should be planted in the shade or away from strong winds. And, they should be protected from frost. But the key is to know how to take care of them. ## **Choosing an Apricot Tree** If you choose a self-fertile, you will only need to buy one apricot tree, which can crop without a partner tree. It is important to choose an apricot tree suited to the exact conditions where you live. The crucial factor is when the tree will blossom. Apricots tend to bloom early, so can be prone to frost damage if there is a danger of a late frost in your area. Bryan, Hungarian and Moorpark Apricots could all be good options for zone 8 in Texas. ## **Planting an Apricot Tree** Apricot trees will grow best in sunny, wind and frost sheltered, locations. They like deep, moisture-retentive, well-drained, and ideally slightly alkaline soil and will struggle in shallow soils which have low fertility. Be sure to space your Apricot trees according to the space requirements of the variety you have chosen. Generally, I like to add two feet to the spacing to provide clearance for picking and maintenance. Mulch the trees with rich compost or well-rotted manure in March and early April. Mulch will help to fertilize and keep down competitive weeds. ## **Caring For an Apricot Tree** Newly-planted Apricot trees will need deep watering during their first spring and summer so they can establish themselves. For best fruit production deep water when the fruits begin to set and grow. Mature trees may also need to be watered if there are drought conditions. If your tree is cropping heavily, then you should thin apricots to around 8-10 cm intervals when they are roughly the size of hazelnuts. You may also wish to prune for shape and size at the same time. Apricots require insects for pollination. If there are not enough insects around yet when the tree breaks into bloom, then you may need to pollinate by hand to achieve the best possible yield. Better still is to encourage pollinators into your garden by companion planting apricot trees with a beneficial guild of plants that can help gather nutrients and which will attract bees and other pollinators to your yard. ![Ripe Apricot](https://i0.wp.com/lifeandwork.blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/dd4d0- apricot-2368979_1280-e1543683214369.jpg?resize=600%2C630&ssl=1) Ripe Apricot ## **Harvesting Apricots** Apricots will be ready to harvest in late June through August. The Apricots are ready to pick when the fruits have a golden-yellow color, are soft, and detach easily from the tree. Take care when harvesting to avoid bruising the delicate fruits and the immediate consumption or preservation of the fruit is strongly recommended.  Apricots can be used in preserves, a whole range of delicious desserts, and dehydrated as a healthy treat. 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