Species apricot
yellow fruits with lime leaves on brown branches

apricot

Prunus armeniaca 'Wilson Delicious'

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca 'Wilson Delicious') is a hardy deciduous fruit tree typically growing to a height of up to 8 meters. It has beautiful pink-blushed white flowers in spring and a harvest of sweet and juicy fruit in mid-Summer. This variety produces large, firm, sweet fruits with a yellow skin dusted lightly in red and an abundance of black freckles. The flesh is juicy and slightly tart with an aromatic flavor. Plant it in well-drained soil, in an area of full sun for best results. Enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor when harvest time arrives!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

yellow,orange Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The apricot (Prunus armeniaca 'Wilson Delicious') is a drought-tolerant plant, and does not require a lot of water. For best results in growth and fruit production, water regularly, about once a week, and give the plant a deep soaking. Water more frequently in hot or especially dry weather. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water slowly and deeply. Do not over water - apricots can be sensitive to too much water, or if the soil stays damp. Check the soil before watering; if moisture is present, wait to water until the soil is lightly dry.

sunlight

Apricot plants (Prunus armeniaca 'Wilson Delicious') should be grown in full sun for the best fruit production. This means they should receive at least 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day, with more light exposure desirable up to 12 hours. In areas that receive intense afternoon heat, apricot trees may benefit from some afternoon shade. Apricot trees grown in areas with more shade, however, will typically produce fewer fruits that are smaller in size.

pruning

Apricot trees should be pruned during the late winter, before the buds emerge. Prune out any dead branches or diseased branches first. Then, prune to encourage strong main branches and a pleasing open canopy. Apricots tend to be vigorous growers, so prune more heavily each year. High scaffold limbs should be decreased in length by up to 1-third to limit excessive growth, and any competing suckers should be removed to the ground. Make sure to leave enough foliage on the tree to adequately photosynthesize and to leave enough fruiting wood. Remove any vigorous shoots or overcrowded branches at the base of the tree. Make the cuts with sharp pruning shears and make the pruning cuts just above a bud.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Apricots typically start flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Prunus armeniaca 'Wilson Delicious' (apricot) typically begins in June and ends in August.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Do Apricot Trees produce fruit every year?

Yes, apricot trees produce fruit every year. These trees generally blossom in the spring, with the fruit ripening in the late summer. Because apricots are sensitive to cold temperatures, they might not produce a sufficient amount of fruit in cooler climates. Nevertheless, with proper care and protection, apricot trees can produce a bountiful harvest every year.

Is it possible to grow Apricot trees from seeds?

Yes, it is possible to grow Apricot trees from seeds. The first step is to remove the fruit from the seed and clean it thoroughly. The seeds must then be dried out in the sun for one or two days. Once the seeds are dry, they can be planted in either a pot or directly in the ground. They should be placed in well-draining soil and watered regularly. With proper care and attention, an apricot tree can be produced from seed within two to three years.

Could Apricot Trees be grown in colder climates?

Yes, Apricot Trees can be grown in colder climates, but they generally do best in climates that have warm summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunlight. Apricot trees are also particularly suited to protect against frost, which is important in colder climates. In order to grow successful apricot trees in cold climates, proper preparation in the fall is necessary. This may include protecting the tree with a thick layer of mulch to keep the soil around the tree from freezing during the winter. With the proper care, apricot trees can survive and even produce fruit in colder climates.

Are Apricot Trees suitable for urban environments?

Yes, apricot trees are suitable for urban environments as they are low maintenance and require very little space to grow. They also can provide a range of benefits such as providing shade in hot climates, absorbing excess carbon dioxide, and providing a pleasant visual element. Apricot trees are relatively hardy and can be grown in containers with regular and proper care. Additionally, their sweet-scented blooms will bring a bit of nature to heavily populated urban spaces.

Is it possible to grow dwarf Apricot Trees?

Yes, it is possible to grow dwarf Apricot Trees. These trees do not reach their full size, usually topping out at 8-10 feet in height and width. They are easier to take care of than standard-sized apricot trees because they don't take up as much space, require less pruning and fewer nutrients. Dwarf Apricots can be grown in small yards or in containers for added convenience and mobility. With the right care, soil preparation and maintenance, one can enjoy an abundant harvest of sweet, juicy apricots from their dwarf apricot tree.

Is it possible to grow Apricots from cuttings?

Yes, it is possible to grow apricots from cuttings. This can be done by taking a cutting of the apricot tree and then planting it in moist soil, placing it in a warm environment, and regularly watering it. It is important to make sure that the cutting has at least three healthy buds in order to ensure proper growth. Additionally, the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone to give it a greater chance of success. Once the cutting is established, it will need to be transferred to a more permanent location. If successful, the cutting should eventually grow into a healthy apricot tree.

Is it possible to grow Apricots in greenhouses?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to grow apricots in greenhouses. Although apricots are most suited for outdoor growing, as they need ample sunshine, a well-maintained greenhouse can offer an environment almost as good as the conditions outdoors. In greenhouses, apricots need plenty of light and heat, so it is important to make sure the temperature is at least 64 degrees Fahrenheit and the light is consistent. Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure that the greenhouse ventilates well and has the correct humidity. With enough planning and preparation, anyone can successfully grow apricots in a greenhouse.

Should Apricot Trees be mulched during the winter?

Yes, apricot trees should be mulched during the winter. Mulch helps protect the roots of the tree from both extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfalls. Additionally, it helps keep moisture in the soil and prevents the soil from becoming hard and dry. Mulch also insulates the soil and keeps the temperatures more moderate during the coldest months of the year. Ultimately, proper mulching and insulation during the winter will help ensure a healthy and productive apricot tree come spring and summer.