Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

Apricots bloom in February and early March, usually during a cold rain storm; thus, consistent crops are unlikely in North Coast counties.

Apricots perform best in climates with dry spring weather. They are susceptible to late spring frosts. Bacterial canker is a common disease of young trees in California.

Plant trees at about a 10 to 20 ft. spacing. Apricots are mostly self-fruitful and ripen in late June to July (100–120 days from full bloom).

Calendar of Backyard Gardening Operations for Apricots

Winter Dormant Season

  • Spray trees with dormant oil to control San Jose scale, aphid eggs, mite eggs, and peach twig borer.
  • Do not use sulfur on apricots, ever.

Spring Bloom Season

  • Spray to control brown rot and shot hole fungus as blooms start to open. Sprays may be required at 10–14 day intervals if weather is rainy.
  • Drip irrigate daily or sprinkler irrigate every 2–3 weeks.
  • Fertilize before 1st irrigation with 1–2 lb. of urea. Water in.
  • Thin fruits to about 4–6" apart when 1/2–5/8" diameter.
  • Paint trunks with 50/50 mix of white interior latex paint and water to prevent sunburn and borer infestation.

Summer Growing Season

  • Continue same irrigation schedule as in spring.
  • Fertilize young trees monthly at ¼ spring rates to encourage vigorous growth.

Fall Harvest Season

  • Prune trees before onset of winter rains to prevent Eutypa fungus infection of pruning wounds.
  • Remove about 20% last year’s growth to let light into tree.
  • Remove old, broken, diseased branches.
  • Spray trees during or after leaf fall but before onset of winter rains to control shot hole fungus.
  • Do not use sulfur on apricots, use fixed copper.

Resources

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Last updated April 30, 2007