Apricots are a delicious summer fruit, and there's nothing quite like biting into a freshly picked apricot on a hot day. Fortunately, apricots are relatively easy to grow at home, and starting from seed is a great way to get started. In this blog post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow an apricot tree from a seed.
How to Grow an Apricot Tree From a Seed
- Start with fresh, viable seeds. You can either purchase apricot seeds from a reputable dealer or Collect the seeds from fresh apricots. If you're collecting seeds from fresh apricots, make sure to eat the fruit first – it's delicious! – and then remove the seeds from the pit.
- Fill a seed-starting tray with moistened potting mix and sow the seeds ½ inch deep. It's important to use moistened potting mix, as dry potting mix will prevent the seeds from germinating.
- Place the seed-starting tray in a warm location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Apricot seeds need warmth to germinate, so a sunny windowsill is ideal.
- Once the seedlings emerge, thin them so that only the healthiest seedlings remain. When they reach 3-4 inches tall, transplant them into 4-inch pots filled with rich potting mix.
- Once the weather warms up in late spring or early summer, transplant your apricot trees into your garden or into larger pots outdoors. Be sure to give them plenty of space – at least 8 feet apart – as apricot trees can grow quite large.
- Water your apricot trees regularly and fertilize them monthly during the growing season. Apricots are hardy plants, but they will produce more fruit if they're well-watered and fertilized.
- Enjoy your homegrown apricots! These delicious fruits are ripe and ready to eat when they come off the tree easily and have a sweet aroma.
When to Harvest Apricots
One of the joys of gardening is being able to harvest your own fruit and veggies. There's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a ripe, juicy apricot that you've grown yourself. But how do you know when they're ready to pick? Keep reading to find out.
Before we get into when to harvest apricots, let's take a quick look at how they grow. Apricot trees are harvested in late winter or early spring. They typically produce fruit in late spring or early summer. Here in the northern hemisphere, that means apricots are usually ripe and ready to eat sometime between May and August.
Now that you know a little bit about how apricots grow, let's talk about when to harvest them. The short answer is that you'll know they're ready when they smell sweet and feel soft to the touch. However, there are a few other things you can do to make sure they're perfectly ripe.
First, take a look at the color of the fruit. Apricots should be a deep yellow or orange color when they're ripe. If they're still green, give them a few more days. Next, give them a little squeeze. They should yield to gentle pressure but shouldn't be too squishy. If they're too hard, they're not quite ready yet; if they're too soft, they may be overripe and could start to spoil quickly. Finally, give them a sniff test. Ripe apricots will have a sweet, fragrant aroma. If they don't smell sweet, give them a few more days before checking again.
The History of the Apricot Tree
The apricot tree is a member of the rose family and is native to China. It is believed to have been cultivated there for over 4000 years. The apricot was introduced to Europe by the Romans, and from there it spread throughout the continent. The trees were brought to America by early settlers, and they quickly took root in the new world. Today, apricots are grown in warm climates all over the world and are enjoyed fresh, canned, or dried. The sweet-tart flavor of apricots makes them a popular ingredient in jams, pies, and other desserts. In addition to their culinary uses, apricots are also used to make cosmetics and fragrance. The oil from apricot kernels is commonly used in skincare products, while the flowers are used to make perfumes and candles. With its long history and many uses, the apricot tree is truly a versatile fruit.
Growing an apricot tree from a seed is easy and rewarding – not to mention delicious! By following the simple steps outlined in this blog post, you'll be well on your way to enjoying fresh apricots straight off the tree in no time at all. Now that you know how to grow an apricot tree from a seed, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to planting!
