How to Grow Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
Apricots like a warm, sheltered, sunny position—often best fan-trained against a south- or west-facing wall in cool climates. Plant while dormant (autumn to early spring). Protect early blossom from late frosts; apricots flower very early, so yields can vary unless protected. Many varieties are self-fertile, but check your choice. Summer pruning is preferred for stone fruits to lower silver-leaf risk; feed and water during fruit swell and thin for quality.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Early spring with a balanced fertiliser. Mulch with well-rotted compost.
Watch For
- Bacterial canker
- Brown rot
- Silver leaf
- Aphids
Companions
Garlic, Chives, Nasturtiums, Comfrey
Track your Apricot care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeCare Requirements
☀️ Light
Full sun; warm south-facing wall ideal
Full sun is essential. In the UK, a warm, sheltered, south- or west-facing wall gives the best chance of a reliable crop. Apricots flower very early and need warmth to set fruit.
🌿 Spacing
4m apart; 3.5-4m wall space for fans
Allow 4m between freestanding trees. Fan-trained trees need about 3.5-4m of wall space and a height of 2-2.5m.
💧 Watering
Regular watering when young; consistent during fruiting
Water young trees regularly during dry spells. Established trees need consistent moisture during fruit swell. Avoid waterlogging, which promotes root diseases.
🌱 Fertilizing
Balanced spring feed; mulch with compost
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring. Mulch with well-rotted compost. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes soft growth susceptible to disease.
✂️ Pruning
Summer prune only; never prune in winter
Prune in late summer after fruiting to reduce the risk of bacterial canker and silver leaf. Avoid winter pruning. Maintain an open centre for good airflow.
🍎 Harvesting
Pick when soft and fragrant; thin to 8-10cm apart
Pick when fruit is fully coloured, slightly soft to the touch, and fragrant. Handle gently as apricots bruise easily. Thin fruitlets to 8-10cm apart when marble-sized.
❄️ Overwintering
Fleece blossom against frost; wall training helps
Protect early blossom from frost with fleece draped over the tree on cold nights. Fan-training against a warm wall provides natural frost protection and heat for ripening.
Growing Tips
Site = success
Choose the warmest, most sheltered spot you have—walls store heat and protect blossom.
Frost-proof the bloom
On cold nights, drape fleece over blossom or close greenhouse doors to save a crop.
Hand-pollinate under cover
In greenhouses, gently brush between flowers on dry, mild days to improve fruit set.
Summer prune only
Prune apricots in summer after harvest to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease.
Thin for flavour
Space fruits 8–10 cm apart once marble-sized to prevent limb breakage and improve ripening.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of green or black insects on shoot tips and undersides of young leaves; curled and distorted foliage; sticky honeydew
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
- Encourage ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing pyrethrins
Pest Red Spider Mite
Identification: Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; leaves develop a mottled, bronzed appearance and may drop prematurely
- Mist foliage regularly to raise humidity — mites dislike moist conditions
- Introduce the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis under cover
- Spray with insecticidal soap
- Spray with a miticide if infestation is severe
Disease Bacterial Canker Pseudomonas syringae pv. morsprunorum
Symptoms: Sunken, oozing patches on bark with amber gummy resin. Branches die back; leaves develop shot-hole symptoms with small round holes
Treatment: Prune out affected branches in summer (June–August) when the tree is actively growing. Cut well below visible canker and sterilise tools between cuts
Prevention: Prune only in summer, never in winter. Avoid wounding bark. Keep trees healthy and well-fed
Disease Brown Rot Monilinia spp.
Symptoms: Fruit develops soft brown patches that spread rapidly, often with concentric rings of grey-white fungal spores; mummified fruit may hang on the tree over winter
Treatment: Remove and destroy all affected and mummified fruit promptly. Prune out any infected wood
Prevention: Maintain an open canopy through summer pruning. Remove mummified fruit in winter. Handle fruit carefully to avoid damage
Disease Silver Leaf Chondrostereum purpureum
Symptoms: Leaves develop a silvery sheen; affected branches die back. When cut, the wood shows a dark brown stain in cross-section
Treatment: Prune out affected branches to at least 15 cm below where brown staining is visible in the wood. Burn prunings
Prevention: Prune only in summer (June–August) when wounds heal quickly and spore release is lowest. Avoid large pruning wounds
Popular Varieties
Blenheim
The definitive California apricot, prized for its intense aroma and suitability for drying or canning. Also known as Royal.
Moorpark
A classic English variety renowned for its exceptional richness and balance of sweetness and acidity. Self-fertile but can be temperamental in setting fruit.
Tomcot
An early-ripening modern variety with large, firm orange fruit and good flavour. Self-fertile and reliable in the UK with some frost protection for blossom.
Goldcot
A very cold-hardy American variety producing medium-sized golden fruit with a sweet-tart flavour. Reliable cropping even in cooler climates.
Flavorcot
A modern Canadian-bred variety combining excellent flavour with disease resistance. Large orange fruit with a red blush, self-fertile and consistent.
Alfred
Bred specifically for cooler climates with late-opening blossom that avoids spring frosts. Medium-sized fruit with good flavour. Reliable in UK gardens.
New Large Early
A vigorous early-ripening variety producing large, pale orange fruit. Self-fertile and well-suited to fan training against a warm wall.
Bergeron
A French variety prized for firm, aromatic fruit ideal for both fresh eating and preserving. Late-flowering, which helps avoid frost damage in cool climates.
Log Apricot in your garden — track growth, care, and harvests year after year
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