Photo By Rostislav_Sedlacek

How to Grow and Care for Apricot

Apricot, also known as Armenian plum, Ansu apricot, Siberian apricot, Tibetan apricot

Apricot generally requires some dedicated attention to thrive. Key care aspects include ensuring proper sun exposure, as apricot needs full sun to produce the best fruit. Additionally, apricot has specific water requirements; it prefers deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root development. Over-watering or poor drainage can lead to root diseases. These particular needs make the care for apricot of intermediate difficulty.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Apricot

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	5-9
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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Varieties of Apricot

Apricot 'Chinese'

Apricot 'Chinese' is a self-pollinating cultivar of the common apricot originating from China. It is a hardy version of the plant and is perfect for places that experience late frosts. It fruits in early summer - earlier than most apricots.

Apricot 'Early Golden'

The apricot 'Early Golden' is a cultivar from the Prunus genus. This apricot tree produces delicious and versatile fruit. The apricot 'Early Golden' is a self-pollinator. In addition to producing amazing fruit, this tree also has beautiful white/pink blossoms in the spring. Its name likely comes from the color of the fruit and when it ripens.

Apricot 'Harcot'

Apricot 'Harcot' is an apricot that produces particularly luscious fruit with a rich and sweet flavor. These fruits are small to medium-sized when compared to other apricots. This cultivar is also notable for its dense springtime clusters of sweet-smelling pink flowers. This fast-fruiting tree is a popular garden feature both for its attractiveness and its harvest.

Apricot 'Garden Aprigold'

Apricot 'Garden Aprigold' is an upright dwarf Apricot variety which grows to a fraction of the height of other cultivars (just 1.2 meters). The name refers to the golden-orange apricot fruits that can be harvested in mid to late summer. Gardeners particularly like this cultivar for its small size, meaning it can be planted in pots.

Apricot 'Blenheim'

Apricot 'Blenheim' is a popular cultivated tree that produces apricots that ripen in late summer. This cultivar is self-pollinating and does better in colder climates than other apricot trees. As it blooms in spring, the flowers can change colors from pink to white, and the tree can serve as an ornamental addition to any garden.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Apricot

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More General Info About Apricot

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Apricot is characterized by its growth as a deciduous tree with a rounded canopy. It typically reaches heights of 26 to 39 feet (8 to 12 meters), sporting smooth, grayish bark. Its leaves are broad ovate, sharp-pointed, measuring around 2.8 to 3.5 inches (7 to 9 centimeters) in length, with a finely serrated margin. Come spring, apricot dazzles with white to pinkish flowers that blossom before the foliage unfolds. Each flower has five petals and is swiftly succeeded by fleshy, yellow to orange-colored fruits, which are rounded and feature a singular, large pit.