Apricot trees are common throughout urban areas in southern Australia. Trees produce from an early age – within 2 years after planting – and will be productive for 20 years with good care.
It would however appear that apricots are the most poorly managed of all fruit trees in gardens. A tendency to treat apricots the same as other fruit trees will more often than not have negative consequences. Some ways to improve the chances of success when growing apricots;
Tree Selection And Planting
Be very careful when selecting a tree at the nursery. Ensure there are no wounds or splits in the trunk. Avoid trees that have gum or sap exuding from the trunk or branches. This could be due to bacterial or fungal gummosis – both are very unlikely to be treated successfully and will reduce the lifespan of the tree.
If cuts are to be made when planting these would be protected using a paste produced from a copper fungicide. I prefer not to trim the young tree until late summer as cuts heal rapidly.
Create Healthy Root System
When planting, a sunny well drained site will ensure a healthy root system. Build up the soil level if necessary. Do not dig a deep hole in heavy clay – this will create a water trap after heavy rain, damaging roots.
Add plenty of old compost to the planting hole. Plant to the same depth as in the nursery the trunk colour usually indicates the original planting depth – the graft needs to be well above soil level.
Fertilize In Winter And Autumn
Feed the tree a good fruit tree fertilizer in late winter as rapid root growth occurs after winter dormancy. Feed regularly with an organic fertilizer – not to strong – over spring and summer.
Another fruit tree fertilizer in early autumn will help the tree build up energy stores for next year’s fruit and leaf buds.
Prune Lightly In Late Summer
Prune lightly in late summer. Only remove large branches if too crowded or diseased. Light pruning will tend to encourage the formation of short fruiting twigs called sprigs. Eventually the weight of fruit will cause branches to weep – further encouraging sprig formation. This will give a relatively small tree – wider than its height. Older sprigs can be removed after several season’s growth.
Large branches that may break or need to be removed can have the wound treated using a copper based fungicide as a paste on cut surfaces.
Maintain Good Air Circulation
Fungal diseases are minimised if there is good air circulation – avoid crowding by dense evergreen trees and shrubs. Avoid positions bounded by walls and structures that impede air and light. A copper based spray will help reduce diseases such as brown rot, freckle and rust- apply at bud swell (just before buds are about to open).
Repeat applications after fruit is set and in excess of 2 centimetres in diameter if humid weather persists. An autumn application just before leaves start to fall is also important.
If Fruit Crops Are Heavy
If fruit crops are very heavy, thinning can start when fruit is about 2 cm. in diameter. Try not to damage Fruiting sprigs as this can be a source of infection. As fruits develop heavily laden branches can be supported, but take care not to damage bark – use a soft fabric between supports and branches.
Small trees are easier to cover using netting – once again try not to damage branches at this point.
Fruit Formation And Harvesting
As with feeding, water is important for fruit formation. Feed when soils are moist and water regularly during dry spells as crops grow.
When harvesting try not to break fruit sprigs – these will produce for more years. Apricots will ripen after harvesting so any damaged or bird pecked fruit can be collected before fruit rots set.
After Harvesting
After harvesting ensure infected fruits do not remain on the tree. These may dry on branches and become a source of future fungal infections. If leaves are badly infected rake and destroy after falling in late autumn.
Reduce competition from weeds – a mulch below the tree will conserve moisture. Avoid planting close to large trees as their roots will invade, robbing moisture and nutrients. Keep lawns trimmed and be especially careful not to damage the trunk when using machinery.
Successful gardeners will naturally have their own tips – read, observe and converse.