Apricot

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.

Pruning

• 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.

Harvesting

• 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.

Pests and Diseases

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

Propagation

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