Apricots are little gems that you can eat in about two bites. Growing two apricot trees in your backyard is not difficult and can give you a bountiful annual harvest. There are a few things you will need to know, such as why it is important to feed apricot trees and how and when to do it to ensure healthy and productive trees.
Growing and Fertilizing Apricots
Apricot trees can be grown in USDA zones 5 through 8, which includes most of the United States. They are more susceptible to spring frost damage than peaches and nectarines, however they are more warm. They can suffer in seasons. Apricots need full sun and well-drained soil, but they don’t need pollinators. Most varieties are self-pollinating, so you can get away with planting just one tree.
Fertilizing apricots is not always necessary. If you see suitable growth on your tree, you don’t need to feed it. 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 cm) on new growth is good for young trees and 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) on mature and older trees.
When to Feed Apricot Trees
Do not fertilize a young apricot tree for the first year or two. Then, when the tree begins to bear fruit, you can apply a nitrogen fertilizer or a special fertilizer for fruit during the spring. Avoid fertilizing apricots after July.
How to Fertilize an Apricot Tree
Fruit trees need more nitrogen if they need any nutrients. The limiting factor is usually in the nutrients. On sandy soils, apricots may suffer from a deficiency of zinc and potassium. It is not a good idea to test the soil before applying fertilizer. This will give you a better idea of what your soil and tree really need. Contact your local extension office for a soil analysis.
If you need to feed your trees, add about 1/2 to 1 cup (118 to 236 milliliters) of compost to young trees and 1 to 2 cups to mature trees. Additionally, look at the application guidelines for the particular fertiliser you’re using.
Apply the fertilizer with a drip line and water it promptly into the soil to prevent nutrient loss. The drip line is the circle around the tree just below the ends of the branches. This is where the rain falls on the ground and where the plant’s nutrients are best absorbed by the tree.
