Apricots are a type of stone fruit that is native to Asia. They are a member of the Rosaceae family, which also includes apples, pears, and cherries. Apricot trees are small to medium-sized, and they can grow up to 30 feet tall. They have a spreading canopy and dense foliage. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a serrated edge. The flowers are apricot-colored and they bloom in the spring. The fruit is apricot-shaped and it is orange or yellow in color. Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C. They are also a good source of fiber. Apricots can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Apricot trees need to be watered regularly, especially during the first year after planting. They also need to be fertilized once a year in the spring. Apricot trees are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, and brown rot. Apricots can be eaten fresh, canned, dried, or cooked. They are often used in pies, cakes, and other desserts. Apricots can also be made into juice or jam.

How To Grow

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Apricot trees need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be loose and fertile, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Plant the tree in the spring or fall. If you are planting in the spring, wait until after the last frost. If you are planting in the fall, plant the tree before the first frost. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree. Add a layer of compost or manure to the bottom of the hole. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil. Tamp down the soil around the tree to remove any air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly. Water the tree deeply once a week during the first year after planting. Fertilize the tree once a year in the spring. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and phosphorus. Protect the tree from pests and diseases. Apricot trees are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale, and brown rot. You can protect your tree by spraying it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Harvest the fruit when it is ripe. Apricots are ripe when they are soft and slightly yellowish in color. It is also possible to grow Apricots from seed (the pit/ stone). Pits need cold stratification to germinate. This means that you need to mimic the winter conditions to trick it into germinating. Seal the pit in a bag and place in the fridge for 6-8 weeks. Then place the seed in some compost with the pointy side up. Place in a bright, warn spot and it should germinate in a few weeks. Keep the soil moist but not wet during this time. Note plants grown form seed are unlikely to produce fruit for up to 5 years.

How/When To Harvesting

Apricots are ready to harvest when they are soft and slightly yellowish in color. You can tell if an apricot is ripe by gently squeezing it. If it gives slightly, it is ripe. If it is hard, it is not ripe yet. The best time to harvest apricots is in the morning, when the fruit is cool. To harvest an apricot, gently twist it off the stem. Do not pull on the stem, as this can damage the fruit. Apricots can be eaten fresh, canned, dried, or cooked. They are often used in pies, cakes, and other desserts. Apricots can also be made into juice or jam.