Growing Apricot in Pots is the best way to relish them fresh! Learn everything about planting this sweet, luscious fruit in containers.
Growing Apricot in pots is a perfect choice for gardeners with limited space. You can go with dwarf varieties like; ‘Stella,’ and ‘Stark Golden Glo.’ Though you can grow any apricot as a dwarf, by pruning and keeping it small.
They say, once an apricot tree blooms, you can expect the fruits yearly, for the next 60-80 years or so! They are faithful producers and long-livers, often being passed down from one generation to the next.
How to Grow Apricot In Pots
Propagation
You can propagate apricots from seeds and cuttings or you can procure a grown-up apricot tree from a nearby garden center to grow in a container. To learn how to grow apricot from the seeds, visit our article here!
Container Size
A pot with 20-24 inches diameter is ideal for growing apricot in pots, but if the plant is small or you’re growing it from seed then start in a small pot. Once it is root-bound, keep re-potting to the bigger pots. Use a commercial potting mix with a neutral pH of 6-6.5.
Tip: Some of the best varieties to grow are Alfred and Flavourcott, Stella, Stark Golden Glo, Tomcott, New Large Early and Isabelle, Moorpark, and Goldcott.
Requirements for Growing Apricot
Location
As the plant enjoys a bright sun, it is always a good idea to place the pot in a sunny spot. While growing apricot in pots indoors, locate it near or on a south-facing window.
Soil
Use a good quality commercial potting soil to plant apricot or prepare your own by mixing 1 part coarse sand, 1 part perlite, and 1 part peat moss or coco peat. To make it rich, add 1 part compost or aged manure. Take pots with proper drainage holes.
Watering
During the growth phase, apricot requires consistent watering. In cold regions, you can water once a week, whereas, in hot climatic conditions, 2-3 times a week is going to be sufficient. In summers, you will have to water them more frequently.
Tip: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. They enjoy consistent moisture but avoid keeping the soil too dry or too wet.
Fertilizing
Feed your container apricot tree with a complete granular fertilizer that has an equal NPK ratio in the spring when the new growth spurts. You can also fertilize it with 10-15-10, once the tree is mature enough to fruit to provide more phosphorus.
Mulching the container with a layer of compost or aged manure occasionally is also beneficial. If you’re not using granular fertilizer, give a timely dose of balanced liquid fertilizer to your apricot plant according to the product’s instructions.
Pruning
While growing apricot in pots, prune the tree twice a year–once in spring, and again in summer. Snip off about one-quarter of the new growth each time. Also, remove leggy, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as they are noticed. Regular pruning is going to keep the apricot tree in the desired size and shape, encouraging new growth and fruit production.
Tip: If you don’t want it to grow tall in pots, maintain the smaller size by pruning.
Re-potting
Within the first 12 months, and then every 2-3 years, you have to re-pot the plant.
- While repotting, ensure that the soil is moist.
- Holding the base of the main stem, pull the plant out of the container, after loosening the soil at the edges.
- Add compost and fresh potting soil to the new pot.
- Do ensure that you are watering the plant well for the coming weeks.
Pests and Diseases
When growing apricot in pots, they can be affected by Eutypa Dieback. You can take care of the same by pruning the affected branch. To avoid Phytophthora, make sure that you are not overwatering the plant. Spray with a jet of water to remove common garden pests such as aphids.
Harvesting
It will take 3-4 years for the apricot to reach maturity and begin fruiting. The mature tree is going to be 6-7 feet tall. Flowers start to appear in late February or early March and the fruits will be ready to harvest in June or July.
If you are growing an already mature apricot tree that you brought from a nursery, then you’ll be able to harvest them early, within the same year.
Note: If you are growing apricot indoors, then you won’t be able to enjoy its fruits. Although, it can be a great looking houseplant!
