Where Do Apricot Trees Grow

If you’re thinking about planting an apricot tree, you probably want to know where do apricot trees grow best. The simple answer is they thrive in sunny, warm climates with distinct seasons. Getting the location right is the single most important step for a healthy tree that produces sweet fruit.

This guide will walk you through the ideal conditions, how to adjust if your area isn’t perfect, and the simple steps to get your tree off to a great start.

Apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) originated in Central Asia. They are perfectly adapted to regions with specific weather patterns. To fruit reliably, they need a combination of warm summer heat, plenty of sunshine, and a period of winter cold.

The ideal climate mimics their native habitat: dry, warm springs and summers, and chilly but not extreme winters. This combination ensures the tree flowers properly and sets fruit without disease pressure.

The Perfect Climate Conditions

Let’s break down exactly what “sunny, warm climates” means for an apricot.

Sunlight: Apricots demand full sun. This means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight every single day. More is better. Without it, growth will be weak and fruit production will be poor.
Chill Hours: This is crucial. Apricot trees need a certain number of hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter to break dormancy and flower in spring. Most varieties require 300 to 1,000 chill hours. Choose a variety that matches your local winter conditions.
Growing Season: They need a long, warm growing season to ripen fruit. Areas with at least 200 frost-free days are best. Late spring frosts can damage blossoms, so a site with good air drainage is key.
Rainfall/Humidity: Apricots prefer dry air, especially when fruiting. High humidity in spring and summer promotes fungal diseases like brown rot. Arid or Mediterranean climates are ideal.

Best Geographical Regions

In the United States, commercial and homegrown apricots are most successful in a few key areas.

Central California: This is the heart of U.S. apricot production. The Central Valley provides hot, dry summers, perfect sun, and sufficient winter chill.
The Intermountain West: Parts of Utah, Idaho, and Washington State, with their dry air and good temperature swings, can be excellent with the right variety selection.
Mediterranean Climates: Similar zones worldwide, like parts of the Mediterranean basin, South Africa, Chile, and southern Australia, are superb for apricot cultivation.

Can You Grow Apricots Outside Ideal Zones?

Yes, with careful planning! Gardeners in less-than-perfect climates can still have success by managing microclimates and choosing wisely.

For Colder Regions (Short Seasons, Hard Winters)

Select a low-chill or cold-hardy variety like ‘Moongold’, ‘Sungold’, or ‘Scout’.
Plant against a south-facing wall to create a warm microclimate and radiate heat.
Use frost protection like fabric covers to guard against late spring frosts on blossoms.

For Warmer, Humid Regions

Choose disease-resistant and low-chill varieties such as ‘Blenheim’ or ‘Goldcot’.
Ensure exceptional air flow by pruning more aggressively and spacing trees well apart.
Plant in the sunniest, most open part of your yard to reduce dampness around the leaves.

Step-by-Step: Planting Your Apricot Tree

Once you’ve picked the right spot and variety, follow these steps for planting.

Timing: Plant in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant.
Hole Preparation: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Loosen the soil at the sides so roots can expand easily.
Placement: Set the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union (the bump near the base) is 2-3 inches above the soil line. Never bury it.
Backfilling: Fill the hole with the native soil you removed. Avoid amending it heavily, as this can discourage roots from spreading outward.
Watering In: Create a soil berm around the tree to form a watering basin. Soak the area thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (wood chips, straw) in a wide circle around the tree. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot.

Essential Care for Healthy Growth

Ongoing care is straightforward but important. Apricot trees are relatively low-maintenance once established if their basic needs are met.

Watering

Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. A good schedule for a young tree is every 7-10 days in the absence of rain. Mature trees are quite drought-tolerant but will produce better fruit with deep watering every few weeks during the growing season. Always let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing

Go easy on fertilizer. Too much nitrogen causes leafy growth at the expense of fruit. In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for fruit trees according to package directions. Often, a layer of compost around the drip line is all thats needed.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to shape the tree and allow sunlight into the canopy. The goal is an open, vase-like structure.

Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches first.
Cut out any branches that cross or rub against each other.
Thin out some interior branches to improve light penetration and air flow, which is vital for preventing disease.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even in a good location, apricots can face a few challenges.

Brown Rot: This fungal disease turns fruit mushy and brown. Prevent it by pruning for air flow, removing any mummified fruit from the tree or ground, and applying a fungicide in spring if humidity is high.
Bacterial Canker: Causes oozing sores on bark and dieback. Avoid it by pruning in late winter (not fall), and sterilizing your pruning tools between cuts.
Poor Fruit Set: If your tree flowers but doesn’t set fruit, a late frost may have killed the blossoms. Lack of pollination is another cause; while many are self-fruitful, planting a second variety nearby can significantly improve yield.

FAQ: Your Apricot Questions Answered

Q: How long does it take for an apricot tree to bear fruit?
A: A tree grown from a nursery sapling typically produces its first fruit in 2 to 4 years after planting. Full production is reached at about 5 to 7 years.

Q: Can I grow an apricot tree in a container?
A: Yes, choose a dwarf variety and a very large pot (at least 20 gallons). Container trees need more frequent watering and feeding, and they may be less long-lived, but it’s a great option for patios.

Q: Do I need two apricot trees to get fruit?
A: Most common apricot varieties are self-fruitful, meaning they can set fruit with their own pollen. However, planting a second different variety can often lead to a larger, more reliable harvest.

Q: What’s the best apricot variety for a beginner?
A> ‘Moorpark’ is a classic, flavorful variety that is widely adapted. ‘Goldcot’ is known for its reliability and cold hardiness, making it a good choice for many beginners in cooler areas.

Q: Why did my apricot tree leaf out but not flower?
A: This is often due to a lack of winter chill hours. If the tree doesn’t get enough cold weather, it won’t trigger the flowering process. Choosing a variety with lower chill hour requirements is the solution.