Apricot

Apricot Trees – Best In NZ!

Growing apricots in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Reduced food waste.
• Lower grocery costs.
• Fewer food miles and less plastic packaging, decreasing your carbon footprint.
• Convenience.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

From Sundrop to Trevatt, and loads of other varieties, we’ll help you find the right apricot tree for your space. Our fruit trees have been selected to thrive in New Zealand’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Apricot trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Apricot Tree Questions

1. What is the best month to plant apricot trees?

The best month to plant apricot trees is during winter. This is because the tree is dormant and can begin to grow as conditions warm. You can plant earlier or later than this as long as you pay attention to watering so they don’t dry out.

Here are some tips for planting an apricot tree:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and plant the apricot tree at the same depth as it was growing in the pot.
• Backfill the hole with soil and firm it in during the process.
• Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Stake the tree to reduce any chances of wind damage.
• Apply fertiliser to the top of the soil during spring. The best option for this is: https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/fruiting-plant-fertiliser

2. How many apricots do you get from one tree?

The number of apricots you get from one tree will depend on the variety of apricot, the age of the tree, the growing conditions, and how well the tree is cared for. A healthy and mature apricot tree can produce anywhere from 150 to 300 apricots in a growing season. However, some well-maintained and highly productive trees can yield higher than this.

3. Where is it best to plant apricot trees?

The best place to plant apricot trees is in a sunny spot with a well-drained soil. They need at least six hours of sunlight per day to produce fruit. NB: apricot trees do not tolerate heavy or poorly drained soils and will generally fail in such environments.

4. How many leaves does it take to produce one apricot?

The number of leaves it takes to produce one apricot depends on the variety of apricot tree, the age of the tree, the growing conditions, and how well the tree is cared for. As a general rule, it takes about 30 leaves to produce one fruit.

5. How long until an apricot tree produces fruit?

The amount of time it takes for an apricot tree to produce fruit depends on the variety of apricot tree, the rootstock, and the growing conditions. However, most apricot trees will begin to produce fruit within 3-5 years of planting. The growing conditions will also affect how quickly an apricot tree will produce fruit. If the tree is not planted in a suitable location, it may take longer to produce fruit.

6. Do apricots grow well in NZ?

Apricots grow well in New Zealand provided they have full sun and a well-drained soil. The best regions for growing apricots in New Zealand are Central Otago, Nelson, and Hawke's Bay. These areas have warm summers and cold winters, which are ideal for apricot production.

There are several apricot varieties that can be grown in New Zealand and some of the popular varieties include:

• Moorpark
• Goldstrike
• Trevatt
• Sundrop
• Royal Rosa

When planting apricots, it is important to choose a variety that is suited to your climate and growing conditions. It is also important to plant two or more apricot trees together to ensure good pollination.

7. What is the best apricot tree in New Zealand?

The best apricot tree in New Zealand depends on your personal preferences and growing conditions. However, some of the most popular and well-performing apricot varieties are:

• Moorpark: This classic variety is known for its large, juicy fruits with a sweet flavour. This variety is relatively easy to grow and are well-suited to a variety of climates.
• Goldstrike: This variety produces medium-sized, golden-yellow fruits with a sweet and tangy flavour. It can be harvested up to two weeks earlier than other varieties.
• Trevatt: This variety produces large, orange-red fruits with a firm texture and sweet flavour. Trevatt can be grown in cooler climates.
• Newcastle: This early-bearing variety produces medium-sized, orange-red fruits with a sweet flavour. It is relatively easy to grow and are well-suited to a variety of climates.
• Royal Rosa: This late-bearing variety produces large, orange-red fruits with a sweet and tart flavour.

8. Why is my apricot tree dying?

Some potential reasons that your apricot might be dying include:

• Diseases: Apricot trees are susceptible to various diseases, including bacterial canker, fungal diseases like brown rot and scab, and viral diseases like plum pox virus. These diseases can cause symptoms like leaf spots, stunted growth, dieback of branches, and fruit rot.
• Pests: Insects like borers, aphids, and scale insects can damage apricot trees by feeding on their leaves, stems, and fruits. This damage can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to other problems.
• Environmental stress: Apricot trees need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Planting them in the wrong location or exposing them to harsh weather conditions like drought, frost, or excessive heat can stress the tree and lead to its decline.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Apricot trees need specific nutrients to grow healthy. Deficiencies in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can cause a variety of symptoms, including stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and poor fruit production.

Steps to identify the problem:

• Inspect the tree: Look closely at the leaves, stems, and fruits for signs of damage, such as spots, lesions, discoloration, or insect activity.
• Research common apricot tree diseases and pests: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of common issues that affect apricot trees.
• Check the soil: Make sure the soil is well-drained and not overly wet or dry.
• Test the soil pH: Apricot trees prefer slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
• Consider the recent weather: Has there been any recent drought, frost, or extreme heat that could have stressed the tree?
• Consult with a local expert: A nursery can often provide valuable advice and potentially identify the specific problem affecting your apricot tree.

9. What is the life expectancy of an apricot tree?

The life expectancy of an apricot tree can vary depending on:

1. Variety: Different apricot varieties have different inherent lifespans. Some varieties may live as long as 50 years, while others may only reach 15-20 years.

2. Rootstock: The rootstock onto which the apricot variety is grafted can also influence its lifespan. Some rootstocks are more vigorous and promote longer life, while others are less vigorous and may result in a shorter lifespan.

3. Planting and care: Proper planting in a suitable location with well-drained soil and full sun, along with regular watering, feeding, and pruning, can significantly contribute to a longer lifespan for your apricot tree.

4. Diseases and pests: Diseases and pests can weaken the tree and shorten its lifespan. Taking preventative measures and controlling any infestations promptly is crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of your tree.

5. Environmental conditions: Harsh weather conditions like extreme cold, frost, or drought can stress the tree and impact its lifespan. Planting in a microclimate protected from these extremes can help prolong the life of your apricot tree.

10. How often should apricots be watered?

The frequency of watering your apricot tree depends on:

Climate:

• Hot and dry climates: In hot and dry climates, apricot trees will need to be watered more frequently, typically every 7-10 days.
• Cool and moist climates: In cool and moist climates, apricot trees may need watering less frequently, possibly only once every 10-14 days.

Age of the tree:

• Young trees: Young apricot trees have shallow root systems and require more frequent watering, usually every 5-7 days during dry periods.
• Mature trees: Established apricot trees with deeper root systems can tolerate longer periods between waterings, typically every 10-14 days during dry periods.

Soil type:

• Sandy soils: Sandy soils drain quickly and require more frequent watering than clay soils.
• Clay soils: Clay soils retain moisture well and may require less frequent watering.

Season:

• Spring and summer: Apricot trees require more water during the spring and summer months when they are actively growing and producing fruit.
• Fall and winter: During the fall and winter months, apricot trees can go longer periods without watering as they are dormant.

Rainfall:

• If your area experiences regular rainfall, you may need to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.