Apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) require specific environmental factors to thrive, and planting time is a significant element for successful establishment. Correct timing allows the tree to focus energy on developing a robust root system before the stress of the growing season. Considering the tree’s dormancy cycle and local climate conditions is more important than the calendar date alone.
The Ideal Timing for Planting Apricots
The best time to plant an apricot tree is determined by the form in which it is purchased—bare-root or containerized. Bare-root apricot trees, sold dormant, should be planted in late winter or very early spring. This window is typically from January through March, before the buds begin to swell and break dormancy. Planting during this cold period ensures the tree can begin root growth into the native soil before the demands of leaf-out and warm weather arrive.
Containerized apricot trees offer more flexibility and can be planted from spring through fall. However, planting container trees in early spring or autumn is still preferable to summer planting. Avoiding the intense heat and potential drought stress of mid-summer allows the tree to establish its root network without the immediate pressure of supporting heavy leaf transpiration. In warmer hardiness zones, planting can often be done as early as late fall or winter, provided the ground is not frozen and is easily workable.
Essential Pre-Planting Considerations
Before planting, selecting an appropriate site is necessary for the long-term health and productivity of the apricot tree. Apricots require a location that receives a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to support fruit development and ripening. A sunny spot with good air circulation also helps to reduce the risk of common fungal diseases.
The soil must be deep and well-draining, as apricot trees are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally ranging between 6.0 and 7.5. If the native soil is heavy clay, planting the tree on a slight mound or berm can significantly improve the necessary drainage.
A requirement for apricot productivity is the accumulation of “chilling hours” during the winter dormancy period. Chilling hours are the total time spent with temperatures between 32°F and 45°F, which is necessary to break dormancy and ensure uniform flowering. Apricot varieties typically require between 300 and 900 chilling hours, so matching the specific tree variety to the local climate is a prerequisite for a successful harvest. If a variety with high chill hours is planted in a mild winter region, it may flower erratically or not at all.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
The planting hole should be prepared to be two to three times wider than the tree’s root spread, but only as deep as the root ball or the point where the roots begin. Digging a wide hole loosens the surrounding soil, encouraging new roots to spread quickly into the native earth. For bare-root trees, the roots should be soaked in water for one to two hours prior to planting to ensure they are fully hydrated.
When placing the tree into the hole, ensure the graft union remains well above the soil line, typically two to three inches higher. The graft union, a slightly swollen area on the lower trunk, marks where the desired fruit variety was joined to the rootstock and should never be buried. For containerized trees, gently loosen any circling roots before planting so they can grow outward.
Backfill the hole using the native soil, tamping gently to eliminate air pockets that could dry out the roots. After the hole is completely filled, create a small, shallow basin of soil around the perimeter of the planting area. This basin will help direct water toward the root zone during the initial watering phase. The tree should then be thoroughly soaked with water immediately after planting to further settle the soil around the roots.
Post-Planting Establishment Care
The first growing season requires consistent attention to moisture levels for proper establishment. Newly planted trees need regular, deep watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy, as the roots are still developing. Depending on rainfall and temperature, this often translates to watering once or twice a week, ensuring the moisture penetrates deeply to encourage a deep root system.
Applying a two- to four-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, over the root zone is beneficial. Mulch helps to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress competing weeds, but it must be kept several inches away from the tree’s trunk to prevent bark decay. Staking is generally only necessary in locations subject to high winds, and if used, the stake should be removed after the first year to encourage the trunk to develop strength naturally.
A newly planted tree benefits from initial structural pruning to balance the crown with the disturbed root system. This early pruning helps direct the tree’s energy into root development and begins the process of shaping the tree into an open vase or central leader form. Young apricot trees should not be fertilized during this initial year of establishment.