Apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) are beloved for their early spring blossoms and sweet summer fruit, making them a popular choice for backyard orchards. The most common question for any prospective grower concerns the tree’s ultimate size, which is highly variable and depends on genetics and management. Understanding this variability is the first step in selecting a tree that will fit your specific garden space and needs.
Mature Size and Canopy Spread
A standard apricot tree, grown on its own roots or a vigorous seedling rootstock and left unpruned, can achieve significant dimensions. These full-sized trees typically reach a mature height between 15 and 30 feet, with a similarly wide canopy spread, often forming a broad, vase-shaped silhouette.
Apricot trees are relatively fast-growing but require five to eight years to reach their mature height and begin consistent, abundant fruiting. This large size reflects the tree’s natural vigor, demanding significant soil volume and nutrients. While capable of producing a substantial crop, this size makes harvesting and pest management challenging for many home gardeners.
The Influence of Rootstock and Cultivar
The final size of a grafted apricot tree is primarily determined by the rootstock, which is the lower portion of the tree onto which the fruiting variety (scion) is attached. This root system acts as a biological throttle, regulating the water and nutrient uptake that dictates the tree’s growth rate. Selecting the right rootstock allows growers to choose a specific size class, overcoming the natural vigor of the apricot cultivar.
Standard-sized trees are commonly grafted onto apricot seedlings (Prunus armeniaca), resulting in the largest possible tree size, often exceeding 20 feet tall.
Semi-Dwarf Rootstocks
To achieve a more manageable size, semi-dwarf rootstocks are used, which typically reduce the tree’s mature height by 30 to 40 percent. These semi-dwarf trees generally mature in the 12- to 18-foot range, with common examples including certain plum hybrids like Citation or Marianna 2624.
Dwarf Rootstocks
For the smallest footprint, dwarf rootstocks are employed, which can limit the height to between 8 and 10 feet, making them suitable for small gardens or container growing. Plum rootstocks, such as bullace (Prunus insititia) or specific Prunus domestica selections, offer this significant dwarfing effect.
Pruning and Training for Size Management
While rootstock sets the genetic potential for size, cultural practices like pruning actively restrict the tree’s physical dimensions. Pruning is necessary to maintain a height practical for harvesting and maintenance. Many home growers aim to keep their trees at 7 to 9 feet for easy access without a ladder.
Apricots are susceptible to fungal diseases like Eutypa dieback when pruned in cold, wet conditions. Therefore, major size-controlling cuts are best performed in the summer immediately after the fruit harvest. This timing allows the wounds to heal quickly during the tree’s active growth period, minimizing the risk of disease entry.
Size management is achieved through two main training systems: the open vase and the central leader.
Open Vase System
The open vase system removes the central upward growth to encourage a spreading, bowl-shaped canopy. This naturally keeps the tree shorter and improves sunlight penetration.
Central Leader System
The central leader system maintains a single main trunk but relies on annual heading cuts—shortening the ends of branches—to limit vertical growth and maintain a compact, pyramidal shape.