Prunus armeniaca

The apricot is a deciduous tree in the rose (Rosaceae) family. It is the most commonly cultivated species of apricot. The tree is native to Eastern Europe and western Asia. The Latin genus name means plum or cherry tree. The specific epithet means from Armenia, and Western Asia, but may have originated in China.

The apricot tree has a broad canopy with branches low to the ground. It is dense and can be 15 – 40 feet tall and wide. It should be planted at least 10 feet away from patios, water pipers, and sewer pipes. The winters must be chilly for the chilling requirements, and spring should be dry and frost-free. They prefer moist, well-drained soil in full sun. The apricot blooms in late winter or early spring so you should plant them in a protected area to minimize frost damage. Do not plant them in low-lying areas which could be a frost pocket. In the U.S., apricots are only grown commercially in California. There are different cultivars like ‘Goldcot’ and ‘Harcot’ that are late bloomers and are more frost-hardy for non-commercial users.

The fragrant flowers are usually solitary, 1” wide, and 5-petaled. The buds are pink turning white after blooming before the foliage appears. Most of the varieties are self-pollinating. The edible fruit is fleshy with a large pit (stone). The fruit is yellow to reddish in color which ripens in late June to July. The best fruit harvest occurs after 3 to 5 years.

The apricot tree is a high-maintenance plant. It requires regular pruning to remain healthy and to develop high-quality fruit. Fertilization should be done in early spring before new growth appears. Fallen debris (apricots, leaves, wood) should be cleared in addition to controlling the weeds and grasses around the tree. You can propagate cuttings or grafting onto rootstocks. Insects,

Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Pests include fruit tree leaf rollers, peach tree borers, aphids, squirrels, Japanese beetle, plum curculio, and mites. Brown rot is one of the major diseases. Other diseases include bacterial canker, bacterial leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Apricot trees are extremely susceptible to frost damage because they bloom in late winter or early spring.