- Climate zones can help you choose an apricot tree appropriate to your particular area. These hardiness zones are determined by the average minimum yearly low temperature in a region. Apricot trees need between 700 and 1,000 chill hours each winter season. Chill hours are temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Apricot trees break dormancy with a specific number of chill hours, which varies with tree variety. Active spring growth begins when these chill hour requirements are met.
- Some varieties of apricot trees require cross-pollination with another variety during bloom times. Trees that do not require cross-pollination are referred to as "self fertile." Self-fertile trees accept their own pollen to develop their fruit. Bloom times are indicated as "early," "mid" or "late." The cultivar "Blenheim" blooms early, while "Puget Gold" blooms midseason.
- Use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to protect your apricot trees from harmful insect infestations. The peach tree twig borer, fruit worms, plant bugs and pincher bugs have natural predators that keep their populations under control. Green lacewings, leatherwing beetles, ladybird beetles, ground beetles, wasps, praying mantis and pirate bugs feed on pincher bugs and other harmful insect pests. Unnecessary use of insect sprays reduces the effectiveness of these beneficial insects.
- Prune your apricot trees each dormant season to maintain tree health, ensure air circulation and remove any weak or diseased limbs. Good sanitation practices around the tree base will reduce weeds that provide a habitat for pincher bugs and other insect pests. Use vegetable-based horticultural oils during the dormant season to control scale, bacterial rot and other fungal diseases. Diseased trees are more susceptible to harmful insect infestation.
Apricot Tree Selection
Bloom Times
Pest Management
Apricot Tree Maintenance
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