Apricot Tree (Live Seedling)

Growing an apricot seedling (Prunus armeniaca) can be a rewarding experience, as these trees produce sweet, fragrant, orange fruits and beautiful spring blossoms. Apricot trees grow best in climates with cold winters and warm, dry summers.

Here’s a complete guide to help you successfully grow a healthy apricot tree from a seedling:

🍑🌳 How to Grow an Apricot Tree from a Seedling

1. Plant Overview

• Botanical Name: Prunus armeniaca

• Type: Deciduous fruit tree

• USDA Zones: 5–9 (varies by variety)

• Mature Size: 15–25 ft tall and wide

• Fruit Bearing: 3–5 years from seedling stage

• Lifespan: ~25–40 years

2. Ideal Growing Conditions

☀️ Sunlight

• Requires full sun — at least 6–8 hours/day

• Needs plenty of sun to flower and produce sweet fruit

🌱 Soil

• Well-drained loamy or sandy soil

• pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas

🌡️ Temperature

• Needs winter chill hours: 300–900 hrs below 45°F (depends on variety)

• Cold-hardy but flowers are frost-sensitive — protect from late spring frosts

3. Planting Instructions

📅 Best Time to Plant

• Early spring (after last frost) or fall (in mild climates)

🪴 How to Plant

1. Choose a sunny, wind-sheltered spot

2. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball

3. Mix in compost to enrich poor soil

4. Place the seedling with the root crown level with the ground

5. Backfill, gently tamp down, and water thoroughly

6. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch, keeping it 2–3 inches away from the trunk

📏 Spacing

• Space trees 15–20 feet apart for good air circulation

4. Watering

• New seedlings: Keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) for the first year

• Established trees: Deep water every 7–10 days during dry spells

• Avoid overwatering — apricots dislike wet roots

5. Fertilizing

• Wait 4–6 weeks after planting to begin fertilizing

• Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring

• Avoid excess nitrogen — it promotes leafy growth over fruit

• Optional: Add compost around the base each spring

6. Pruning

• Prune in late winter or early spring (before bud break)

• Focus on:

  • Removing dead or crossing branches

  • Creating an open center shape to improve airflow

  • Thinning crowded growth to improve light penetration

• Summer pruning can control height and encourage fruiting

7. Flowering & Fruiting

• Blossoms appear in early spring (often before leaves)

• Fruit ripens in late spring to summer, depending on variety

• Most varieties are self-pollinating, but having two trees can increase yield

8. Pests & Diseases

• Common pests: Aphids, borers, mites

• Diseases: Brown rot, bacterial canker, powdery mildew

• Prevention:

  • Prune for airflow

  • Apply dormant oil spray in winter

  • Avoid overhead watering

  • Clean up fallen fruit and leaves

9. Container Growing (Optional)

• Choose dwarf varieties for pots

• Use a 20+ gallon container with drainage holes

• Fill with well-draining potting mix

• Water regularly and prune to keep compact

• Protect from frost if outdoors in cold zones

✅ Quick Tips

• Needs full sun, well-draining soil, and winter chill

• Prune annually for shape and fruit production

• Water consistently during dry spells

• Mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds

• Protect flowers from late frosts with row covers if needed