apricot tree fertilizer

If your mature apricot is in good general health but shows reduced vigor and poor fruit production, it is time to fertilize. Apply a balanced fertilizer, 16-16-16, for example, in early spring (late February or March) and fall (late September or October). Apply no more than 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per year.

How do I get my apricot tree to produce fruit?

Since apricots bloom on two-year-old wood, you have to be really careful how you prune them and realize that any year with heavy pruning may lead to a couple of years without fruit. Leave plenty of old growth to balance the new when you're pruning apricot trees in the future, but do prune to stimulate fruit production.

What is the best fertilizer for fruit trees?

Fruit trees making less than desirable growth may need fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, in early spring before bud break. The recommended rate is 1/10 pound of actual nitrogen per year of tree age. (Tree age is the number of years since the tree was planted in the home garden.)

How do you look after an apricot tree?

The trees will need an inch (2.5 cm.) of water weekly, especially during bloom and fruiting. Use a drip irrigation system to avoid wet leaves, flowers and fruit. Be sure your apricot tree care includes thinning of the fruit once it comes in; thin the fruits to 1 ½ to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm.)

Do apricot trees need lots of water?

Apricot trees require deep watering, especially when they begin bearing fruit. To avoid over-watering your apricot trees, water the trunk and base areas every two weeks or so, giving your trees a healthy soak.

What is the lifespan of an apricot tree?

Apricot trees are perennials, meaning that they can live for very long periods of time; apricots usually live between 40 and 150 years.

Do you need 2 apricot trees to produce fruit?

There does not have to be a second apricot tree for the blooms to produce fruit for most apricots, because most varieties are self-fruitful. The blooms appear during early March or the end of February and require dry weather to remain on the tree and produce fruit.

What is the best time to fertilize fruit trees?

Spring is the best time for fertilizing fruit trees, because that's when they need plenty of energy to push out new leaves and nurture baby fruits.

What is the best fertilizer for apple trees?

Apple trees require nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium -- the three numbers on fertilizer bags -- as well as various trace minerals. For home growers, fertilizers should have a higher nitrogen ratio to fuel healthy growth. Common granular 20-10-10 fertilizer is suitable for apples.

What fertilizer make fruit bigger?

Potassium is the key driver of fruit size and alongside nitrogen is required in large quantities throughout fruit development and growth. However, too much nitrogen at a late growth stage can restrict fruit size; therefore a balanced nutrient application is crucial. Phosphorus can restrict fruit growth too.

Does apricot tree need full sun?

Plant apricots in full sun. They can grow in partial shade, but the yield will be less than if grown in full sun. Plant apricots in a well-drained loamy soil. Apricots do not like wet roots.

Can apricot trees grow in pots?

Apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) grow well in containers and are a good choice for gardeners with big plans but limited space. ... Gardeners in warm, Mediterranean climates must make sure to plant low chill apricot varieties that do not require a lengthy cold season to produce fruit.

How much sun does an apricot tree need?

Requirements. The trees need full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil that is at least 4 feet deep. In addition, they require 600 to 900 hours of winter temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to set fruit.

Why is my apricot tree not fruiting?

The apricot tree's lack of fruit production could be due to flower or young fruit damage from weather; it could be due to reduced pollination, also potentially affected by weather; it could be due to tree damage caused by a pest or pests, or it could be a nutrition issue for the tree.

Why do apricot trees die?

As we discussed, there is a common fungus disease of apricots call Eutypa die back that is spread by splashing rain and enters through pruning wounds. For this reason, apricot trees should be pruned now (early Fall), never during the wet winter.

Where do apricot trees grow best?

Apricot trees can grow in USDA hardiness zones five through nine. They thrive in climates where winters are cold enough to induce a dormancy period and summers are warm but not sweltering hot. Choose a sunny location with enough room for the tree to grow. Apricot trees grow best in a full-sun environment.

When should you plant an apricot tree?

Container grown apricot trees can be planted at any time during the year, but they do best when planted in the early spring. Spring planting allows the tree time to become established before cold weather arrives. The tree is planted at the same height it grows in the nursery container.

Which apricot tree is the best?

Moorpark trees grow the largest and sweetest apricots known today! Exceptionally sweet, delicious, and classic apricot flavor of the same quality as Blenheim! Moorpark is a hardy and resilient cultivar that protects its delicate blossoms from unpredictable spring weather.

Which fruit tree lives the longest?

Fruit Trees: Persimmons are some of the longer lived fruit trees, reaching up to 75 years. Figs and apples average out at 30-40 years; while Asian pears and peach trees may only last 15 years. Ornamental peaches and cherries are in the 20-30 year range. Eve's Necklace Sophora affinis lives to an average of 50 years.

Do you need a male and female apricot tree?

It is often said that two fruit trees are needed for production, but it's not because there are separate male and female trees. ... Although some apricot varieties will set some fruit on their own, two different varieties are best for cross-pollination.

What time of year do you prune apricot trees?

Prune apricot trees in late winter or early spring as the new leaves and flowers begin to open. During this period of time the tree is actively growing and the pruning cuts heal quickly so that diseases have little chance to enter the wounds.