Prunus mume typically starts flowering in January in Japan.
Japanese apricot
Prunus mume
The Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) is a small deciduous tree native to China and Japan. It produces fragrant single or double white or pink flowers each winter. The fruits are oval-shaped drupes containing a single seed. In addition to its ornamental value, the Japanese apricot has a long history of use as a food source and in traditional Chinese medicine. The edible fruits have a sweet flavor and can be used to make jams, jellies, and other desserts. The Japanese apricot is a popular garden addition worldwide and is hardy in temperate and subtropical climates.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture
Hardiness Zone:
6 - 9
Flowers:
Pink Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Fruits:
Fruits Ready In Winter
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Japanese apricot should be watered once a week, using about 2-3 inches of water in order to keep the soil moist. During the summer months, it may need be watered more frequently to ensure that the soil remains moist. However, Japanese apricot is resistant to drought and should not be overwatered. When watering, it is best to water the soil around the base of the tree rather than directly on the foliage in order to reduce the risk of disease and mold growth.
sunlight
Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) should receive direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours per day in order to thrive. When the sun is strongest in the afternoon (around midday) this species should receive full sun, but during the hottest parts of the summer, it is best to provide some kind of shade for a few hours in the afternoon. Japanese apricot can tolerate light shade, but blooms may not be as abundant.
pruning
Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) should be pruned in late winter or early spring, when the tree is dormant. For pruning, only thin out overcrowded branches or any dead or diseased wood. Removing dead branches keeps the overall structure strong, and promotes vigorous growth. Also, pruning back overly-long or weak branches helps promote flowering and fruiting. It is best to prune away no more than 1-third of the tree’s canopy.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting season for Prunus mume typically begins in late April and continues through June.
Harvest Fruit
The harvesting season for Prunus mume typically begins in late April and continues through June.
