Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
Zones
5a–8a
Chill hours
600 to 900
Sun
full
Lifespan
15 to 20 years
Growing apricot
Detailed guidance for this section is being prepared. Check back soon.
Recommended varieties
- Harcot. Sweet, juicy, classic apricot flavor with bright tang; freestone. Fresh eating, jam, drying. Late blooming protects from spring frost. Brown-rot resistant. Zones 5a–7a. Resistant to brown-rot.
- Goldcot. Sweet-tart, freestone with firm orange flesh; excellent for fresh eating, canning, drying. Cold-hardy and reliable in zone 5. Zones 5a–6b.
- Moorpark. Rich, complex apricot flavor with sweet aromatic flesh; the classic English heirloom variety, considered one of the best-flavored apricots. Fresh eating and drying. Zones 6a–7b.
Soil and site requirements
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Common diseases
- Brown Rot (fungal). The most damaging stone-fruit disease, causing blossom blight and fruit rot.
- Bacterial Spot (bacterial). Bacterial disease causing leaf spots and fruit blemishes, severe in warm humid regions.
Common pests
- Plum Curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar). Native weevil that lays eggs in young stone and pome fruit, causing characteristic crescent-shaped scars.
- Oriental Fruit Moth (Grapholita molesta). Stone-fruit pest whose larvae tunnel into shoot tips and later into fruit.
Common challenges
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Grafting and rootstocks
- Harcot on Citation · semi-dwarf, 10–14 ft.
Companion plants
- basil (beneficial): Basil's volatile oils discourage stone-fruit pests and support pollinator visits.
- tansy (beneficial): Tansy reduces aphid and Japanese beetle pressure on apricot trees.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- What zones does apricot grow in?
Apricot grows in USDA zones 5a through 8a.
- How many chill hours does apricot need?
Apricot requires approximately 600 to 900 chill hours below 45°F to break dormancy properly.
- How long until apricot produces?
Days to harvest range from 110 to 130 days after bloom, depending on variety and zone.
- What sun and water does apricot need?
Apricot prefers full sun and moderate water. Lifespan is typically 15 to 20 years.