How to Plant an Apricot Tree

Overview

There are many apricot tree varieties such as Goldrich, Goldbar, Goldstrike and Wenatchee Moorpark to name a few. All bear fruit in their own sizes, colors and flavors. The fruit is produced on 2-year-old wood and should be pruned only lightly for the first two years. Apricot trees require full sun to partial shade, moderate amounts of water and well-drained soil. They can grow to a spread of 25 feet. Enemies of apricot tree include the San Jose scale, fruit bark beetle and peach borer, among others. Successfully growing an apricot tree will be a gateway to delectable fruits to dehydrate for individual treats or to make jams and jellies.

Step 1

Choose a planting site for the apricot tree that gets full sun, has well-drained soil and can accommodate a full-grown tree.

Step 2

Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and twice its width.

Step 3

Keep the excess soil from the hole nearby as it will be used after the apricot tree is planted.

Step 4

Place the apricot tree in the hole and ensure that it is standing straight.

Step 5

Add the soil back into the hole around the tree and tamp it down lightly. Break up any clumps of soil with a garden fork.

Step 6

Build a 4-inch high berm of soil around the perimeter of the hole. Fill the area from the trunk of the tree to the berm with mulch to retain moisture and resist weeds. Fill the berm with water.

Step 7

Water the tree on a daily basis for the first week after planting so that the soil is moist to the touch approximately 1 inch below ground level.