Apricot 'Moorpark'

Apricot 'Moorpark'

Apricots are early flowering fruit trees which need protection from frost during early spring flowering. Deciduous, they dislike waterlogging, especially in winter, so plant in a free-draining soil. Plant in full sun for optimum fruiting. Like most deciduous fruit trees, apricots require some chill hours (hours below 7 degrees C) in order to set fruit – usually 350 hours, making them relatively low-chill fruit trees. While apricots are considered drought tolerant, fruiting will suffer if plants are not summer irrigated. Prune to an open vase shape in early autumn after fruiting to maximise your annual harvest. Generally self-fertile, planting a second tree will improve pollination. Avoid planting near strawberries or potatoes to avoid soil contamination. PLANTING TIPS: 1. Before planting, water with a weak seaweed solution to help minimise transplant shock. 2. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Remove weeds and grass to avoid competition with you new tree. 3. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and one and a half times deeper than the plant pot. 4. Backfill compost and soil to the same depth as the pot so that the soil in the pot is level with the soil surface. 5. Remove the pot and place your tree in the hole. Backfill with soil and compost mixture. Firm down gently and stake if required. 6. Mulch around the base with organic mulch to prevent competition from weeds, but always keep it away from the trunk. 7. Water now and regularly until plant establishes in the garden.