Holly's Homestead — Stone Fruit Tree
Apricot
Prunus armeniaca · Rose family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Deciduous perennial tree
MATURITY 2–4 years to first fruit
TYPE Deciduous perennial tree
MATURITY 2–4 years to first fruit
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular, deep
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
4–5m
Depth
graft union above soil
01Early flowering, frost risk
Apricots flower very early in spring, which makes their blossom vulnerable to late frosts wiping out the season's crop — site away from frost pockets if possible.
02Planting
Method
Plant bare-rooted while dormant.
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile — dislikes wet feet.
Timing
Plant in winter while dormant.
03Growing care
- Choose a sheltered spot away from frost pockets given early flowering.
- Prune in summer to reduce disease entry.
- Water deeply through fruit development, ease off as it ripens.
- Thin fruit for better size if heavily set.
04Problems
- Late frost damage to blossom — the main risk; site carefully.
- Brown rot — improve airflow, remove affected fruit.
- Fruit fly — net or bag ripening fruit.
- Gummosis — sap oozing from bark, often stress-related; ensure good drainage and avoid trunk damage.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Full colour, slight give, fragrant.
Method
Twist gently from the stem.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Room temperature a few days; can be dried for long-term storage.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
BasilGarlicAvoid nearby
TomatoRotation note
Avoid replanting stone fruit in old stone fruit ground.