It’s never the wrong time to learn to grow Apricots (and enjoy our own preserves). Apricots are hearty fruit trees that grow quite well in zones 4 through 9. They can reach heights of up to 30 feet and standard-sized trees can produce 3 to 4 bushels of tasty fruit for 50 years or more. Apricots can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried and have an abundance of vitamins A and C, and are a good source of fiber in your diet.
Once established, an apricot tree needs little care other than occasional pruning. They are self-fertilizing, which means you do not need to plant multiple trees to produce fruit. Apricot trees need full sun and well-draining soil, and you can expect a full harvest in the third or fourth year after planting.
Planting an Apricot Tree
Apricot trees are usually planted in early spring, with bare root being the most common. Bare root trees can be planted as soon as the soil is workable and often produce a much healthier tree than planting from container.
Choose a spot that receives a full day’s sun and dig a hole twice as wide as the tree’s roots. Allow at least 25 feet around your tree for growth and be sure to add compost to the soil. This will help keep the tree’s roots fed and moist. Keep weeds to a minimum around your new tree for the first year and add a three-foot layer of mulch around the base to deter weed growth. For the first year, water regularly, especially in dry weather.
Caring For Your Apricot Tree
Immediately after planting, prune your tree to encourage new growth. Take each branch back about a third and remove the central leading branch entirely. The more open center will allow more sun to reach the branches and help with future fruit production.
As the tree grows, continue with a regular pruning schedule, removing suckers or waterspouts (green “branches” that grow straight up) that may appear. Also, remove any branches that grow downward, and any branches that rub other branches. This will avoid injury to the tree.
Apricot Preserves Recipe
The following recipe is a delicious way to use your apricot harvest. Although they are simple to make, nothing beats the taste of homemade apricot preserves.
Ingredients
8 cups diced apricots
1/4 cup lemon juice
6 cups of sugar
Directions
Sterilize your canning jars by boiling for 10 minutes in a hot water canner.
You will need 5-pint jars or 10 half-pints.
Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot.
Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, continue to boil it for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking.
Remove from heat and fill jars, leaving 1/4 headspace.
Wipe rims clean and put the 2-piece metal canning lids in place.
Process in boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
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