Background

Apricots originated in China.
Apricots have a medium chilling requirement of approximately 800 hours.
Top quality apricots are produced where the winters are cold enough to provide chill, but without harsh frosts that affect the blossoms.
The trees flower very early in Spring (just before Almonds).
The flowers and newly formed buds are vulnerable to late Spring frosts and gusty winds and may need to be protected.
The tree is drought hardy, but will drop fruit if there is not sufficient irrigation and moisture in the soil.

Cultivation and Training

Apricot trees require full sun and good clearance on all sides to reduce humidity and discourage fungal diseases.
Free draining soil is important.
Plant apricot trees in winter when the plant is dormant.
Train to a vase shape with approximately four framework arms and then into two second-tier branches.
Fertilise with compost, but not excessively.
Only fertilise after harvest.
Thin fruits by hand to one fruit every 10cm if the set has been heavy. This will help prevent alternate-year bearing.

Prune only in Autumn and only when the weather is dry.
Remove all dead, diseased or tangled wood.
Keep the tree centre open.
Always clean and disinfect all pruning tools with tea-tree oil to prevent any potential spread of fungal diseases.

Harvest when ripe.
Fruits will ripen after being picked, so can be picked early to prevent predation by birds.
Apricots can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and then ripen on the kitchen bench.
Apricots can also be air dried to preserve for longer periods.

Brown rot
Silver leaf
Verticillium wilt
various insect pests - scale,light brown apple moth, weevils, mites and earwigs.

Recommended root stock is myrobalan plum because it is more resistant to root-rot