Growing an apricot tree from seed is like embarking on a small but rewarding adventure. I still remember the excitement of planting my first apricot seed, the anxious waiting for it to sprout, and the sheer joy of seeing the first buds. Now, a few years down the line, I find myself watching the boughs of my mature tree heavy with juicy, sun-ripened apricots, knowing that it all started with a small pit.
If you’ve ever relished the sweetness of a freshly plucked apricot and thought about growing your own, then you’re in the right place. Let me share with you the simple steps I followed to transform a humble apricot seed into a bountiful tree. Let’s find out how to grow apricot from seed.
1. Find and Prepare the Apricot Seed
The first step, unsurprisingly, involves getting hold of an apricot seed. The simplest way is to just save the pit from an apricot you’ve recently eaten. However, for the best results, it’s advisable to choose a locally grown apricot. They’re usually better adapted to your local climate, and thus more likely to grow successfully.
Once you have your pit, rinse it carefully and let it dry naturally for a few days. Once it’s dry, crack it open gently to retrieve the actual seed. Be careful, though – too much force and you might damage the seed inside.
2. Implement Seed Stratification in Your Refrigerator
This step sounds complex, but it’s actually quite simple. Apricot seeds need a period of cold to trigger their germination process, a process called stratification. In nature, this would occur over winter. However, you can replicate it at home using your refrigerator.
Put your apricot seed in a plastic bag with a slightly moistened paper towel, seal it up, and place it in your fridge. This should be in a spot where it won’t get jostled or accidentally thrown out. After about 3-4 weeks, check the bag for signs of sprouting. If the seed has sprouted, it’s ready for planting. If not, give it a little more time.
3. Plant the Sprouted Seed
Fill your chosen grow bag with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Make a hole about 2-3 inches deep, place your seed in it (with the sprout pointing downwards), and cover it gently with soil. Water it thoroughly but make sure not to waterlog the soil.
Speaking of watering, the JERIA Grow Bags have excellent drainage. This prevents overwatering, a common mistake when caring for young plants.
4. Nurture the Seedling with Care and Patience
Apricot trees are sun-loving plants, so place your pot in a sunny location. Water it regularly, but let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. It’s also a good idea to add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the soil a couple of times a year to ensure your tree gets the nutrients it needs.
After 2-3 months, you should see a small tree emerging from your pot. When your sapling is about a foot tall, you can transplant it into the ground or a larger pot. Just remember to be patient – it takes time for a tree to grow, and it’ll likely be 3-5 years before you see any fruit.
The following video by MIgardener demonstrates the correct way to transplant an apricot tree (or any other fruit tree):
5. Harvest Your Home-Grown Apricots
The day when you finally pluck your first home-grown apricot from the tree is truly magical. I recall with joy biting into my first apricot, its sweetness amplified by the knowledge that I had nurtured it from a tiny seed. Take my word for it, it’s worth every bit of patience and care you put into it.
Growing an apricot tree from seed is a journey that teaches you patience and perseverance, but it also brings immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
6. Tackle Pests and Diseases Proactively
As your apricot tree matures, it may attract various pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetles. Regularly inspect your tree for signs of pests and use an organic pesticide if necessary. It’s also a good idea to encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of many common pests.
In terms of diseases, apricot trees can suffer from a variety of fungal and bacterial infections. Common signs include leaf spots, wilting, or unusual growths on the branches. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult with a local nursery or extension service to determine the best course of action.
7. Carry Out Regular Pruning and Maintenance Tasks
For this task, I recommend using the Fiskars Softgrip Bypass Pruner. With its comfortable grip and sharp, precision-ground blade, it makes pruning a breeze. It’s durable and easy to use, making it a great tool for both novice and experienced gardeners.
When pruning, start by removing any dead or damaged branches. Then, trim back branches that are growing towards the center of the tree, as they can block sunlight and reduce air circulation. Finally, shorten any overly long branches to maintain a balanced shape.
8. Enjoy the Growing Experience
Growing an apricot tree from seed isn’t just about the delicious end result; it’s also about the journey. It’s about the thrill of embarking on a horticultural adventure, starting with a small seed and nurturing it into a full-grown, fruit-bearing tree. Each stage of growth brings its own joy and satisfaction.
When you first see a tiny sprout pushing its way out of the soil, there’s an undeniable sense of wonder and accomplishment. It’s a small victory, a tangible sign that your efforts are beginning to bear fruit – figuratively at this stage, but literally in the future. As your sprout evolves into a sapling and then a tree, you’ll witness the fascinating process of growth and development up close. Each new leaf, each additional inch of height, will feel like a personal achievement.
The anticipation of waiting for the first fruits to appear and ripen is its own kind of excitement. There’s the eager watchfulness as the first buds appear, the suspense as they slowly blossom into flowers, and the thrill when you spot the first tiny, green apricots. As they swell and ripen, your anticipation builds until the day you finally pluck your first home-grown apricot from the tree – a day that’s made all the sweeter by the journey that led to it.
In Conclusion
Growing an apricot tree from seed might seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of care and patience, it’s entirely achievable. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking for a new challenge or a beginner wanting to try your hand at something rewarding, I hope this guide inspires you to embark on your own apricot-growing adventure. Trust me, the taste of your first home-grown apricot will be a memory you’ll cherish forever.
Happy gardening!