Look, I am no expert. But I have grown apricots here in New Zealand and learned stuff the hard way, so you don’t have to. They are not the easiest trees, but they are honestly worth it.
Nothing beats eating one still warm from the sun. I was looking at The Plant Company website the other week, actually, they have got a decent selection of fruit trees, including apricots. Good rootstock options, too, which matters more than people realise. Worth checking out if you are shopping around.
Where To Even Start with Location
Full sun all day is non-negotiable. My first tree got afternoon shade and produced three sad apricots. Wind wrecks them too; blossoms shred, branches snap. Shelter is essential. Soil must drain fast, or roots rot immediately. They love deep, fertile ground like peaches. Simple rule: if peaches thrive nearby, apricots will too.
Choosing Your Tree
Varieties like Cluthalate, Moorpark, and Royal Rosa grow well here. Cluthalate is reliable and popular. Moorpark tastes incredible but is fussy. Some need pollinators, others don’t; plant two anyway for more fruit. Buy two-year-old grafted trees, not seeds. Seeds are unpredictable gambles; grafted trees are consistent and fruit faster.
Planting The Tree
Dig a hole twice the bag size. Mix compost, sheep pellets, and fertiliser. Clay soil needs gypsum; I learned this late; the tree is still sad. Plant dormant in autumn or winter. Spring planting works, but they sulk. Loosen roots gently, backfill, water well. Two stakes on either side, flexible ties, not tight. Movement strengthens trunks.
Feeding And Watering
- Spring and summer feed with citrus and fruit fertiliser
- Tui Performance Organics stuff works fine
- Or controlled release if you are forgetful
- Water regularly through the dry season, but not too much
- Overwater and fruit splits
- Little to no water in winter, they hate wet feet
Honestly, birds can smell ripening fruit from space, I swear. Netting is basically essential unless you are happy sharing.
Pruning Scares Me, but Here Goes
Late summer pruning, after fruiting. Not winter! Winter pruning spreads silver leaf disease, which stonefruit gets. Bad news.
Cut out dead wood, crossing branches, weak stuff. Shorten back branches that already fruited. Sharp secateurs, cut on an angle above a bud. Clean cuts heal better.
I always get nervous pruning. What if I cut too much? But they are pretty tough. Probably tougher than my anxiety about it.
When Do You Actually Pick Them?
Early summer. They come on fast. You will know they are ready when they feel slightly soft in your hand and come off easily. The smell, honestly, is everything. Like summer in your palm. Pick carefully, though. Use secateurs to cut, don’t just pull. You will damage the fruit and the little spurs that grow next year’s fruit. Gentle does it.
Last Thoughts
Growing apricots here is totally doable, not the hardest fruit trees, not the easiest either. Give them sun, drainage, food, water, pruning, bird protection, and they will reward you. That first warm, juicy bite, nothing like cardboard shop fruit. Totally worth it. Happy planting.
