Apricots
Apricots originated in China but grow well in Utah.
Requirements
Size
Most trees grow about 20′ wide and 15′ tall – you want to prune it as open vase structure for sunlight penetration and space for fruits.
Climate
Most cultivars are hardy to -10 °F with some hardy to -30 °F. Choose a site that it gets at least 8 hrs of sunlight during growing season. Check your planting zone here.
Chill hours
Chill hours (32 – 45 °F) are the time it needs to break dormancy. In Utah, peaches with higher chill hour requirements are typically better since the bud won’t break and grow during unseasonably warm weather conditions.
Water
When establishing, it needs deep water 2x every week (18-24″ deep). After that, deep watering every two weeks. Avoid using sprinklers to keep the tree canopy dry to prevent diseases.
Soil
Ideal pH <8.0 and low in salt. High ph soil causes iron to be insoluble and not available for root absorption (iron chlorosis) which results in yellow leaves.
USU soil testing
Pollination
Most apricots are self-pollinated but produce better when there’s another cultivar blooming at the same time (plant ~20′ apart).
How to plant a tree?
Where to buy a tree?
How to take care of them
Apricot trees need proper pruning in Feb/Mar – to encourage growth and avoid branch breaking. To get bigger fruits, thin the fruits when peaches become golf ball size.
This timeline is roughly based on the climate in Salt Lake Valley. If you live in Southern Utah, you’ll need to start pruning earlier. If you live in high elevation, your growing season will be shorter (start later and end earlier.)
Pruning
Prune to an open vase structure to invite sunlight peaking through. Remove all water sprouts and branches that are too close to each other. USU – how to prune a peach tree video
Fertilizing
Newly planted apricots should not be fertilized in the first year they are transplanted. Not necessary afterwards unless it grows slower than usually (10-20″ for young trees; 8-10″ for older trees.)
Worm control
Peach twig borers can not just damage fruits but also trees. Check out this article from USU extension for organic (trap, biological control) or insecticides application.
Fruit thinning
When fruits are grape-sized, thin to 1 apricot every 4-6″ along the branch.
Harvesting
Depends on your varieties, ripening can occur from July to September.
Storing
For unripe ones, keep them in a brown paper bag to ripe. Once the apricot ripen, you can’t leave them at room temperature for long. You can them or make jam.