Apricot trees require regular nutrient support for consistent, high-quality fruit production. California’s native soils are often low in nitrogen, a major nutrient necessary for tree development. Applying nutrients at the correct moment is important to balance vegetative growth (leaves and branches) against fruit production. Incorrect timing can lead to excessive wood growth at the expense of setting a good crop, making a precise schedule beneficial for a robust harvest.
Annual Timing for Mature Apricot Trees
For apricot trees that are already bearing fruit, the primary window for nutrient application occurs in late winter or very early spring. This timing delivers nitrogen and other elements just before the tree breaks dormancy and begins its annual growth cycle. Applying fertilizer just before bud break ensures the necessary energy is available to support the intense metabolic activity of flowering and fruit set. This initial application helps maximize the number of blossoms that successfully develop into fruit.
Many growers in California utilize a split-application approach, dividing the total annual requirement into two or three smaller doses. The first application, often comprising two-thirds of the yearly amount, should be spread in late February or early March before the buds swell. This practice provides the initial boost needed for the spring flush of growth and fruit development.
A second, smaller application can follow approximately four to six weeks later, in mid-spring. Splitting the fertilizer helps prevent nutrient runoff, particularly in sandy, fast-draining California soils, and maintains a steady supply of nitrogen. Sustained nutrient availability supports the rapid enlargement of the fruitlets and continued leaf growth during the active season. Avoiding fertilization after mid-summer is recommended, as late-season applications can encourage tender new growth susceptible to early winter damage.
Fertilization Schedule for Young Trees
The needs of newly planted and non-bearing apricot trees differ significantly from mature trees. The focus for young trees is establishing a strong root system and developing sound structural wood, not immediate fruit production. Growers should delay the first fertilizer application until the tree has been in the ground for at least four to six weeks and has shown visible signs of new growth.
Young trees benefit from smaller amounts of fertilizer applied more frequently throughout the growing season. A common schedule involves making three light applications spread out from spring to mid-summer, such as in March, May, and July. This frequent, low-dose approach supports continuous vegetative development without overwhelming the young root system.
Each application should provide a small amount of nitrogen to encourage the growth of new shoots, which is a direct measure of a young tree’s health. Consistent feeding throughout spring and early summer helps the tree reach its mature, fruit-bearing size more quickly. All fertilization should cease by August to allow the new wood to harden off before the winter season.
Essential Nutrients and Application Methods
Nitrogen is the nutrient required in the largest quantity, especially in California, where it is often the limiting factor. High-nitrogen sources, such as ammonium sulfate, are frequently used to provide this element efficiently. Some growers prefer a balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 blend, to ensure the tree receives phosphorus and potassium alongside nitrogen.
The correct physical placement of the fertilizer is as important as the timing. Nutrients should be spread evenly over the soil surface, starting a few inches away from the trunk and extending out to the drip line (the outer edge of the tree’s canopy). This area is where the tree’s active feeder roots are located and can best absorb the elements.
It is important to keep the fertilizer material several inches away from the trunk to prevent chemical burn to the bark. Immediately after spreading the fertilizer, the area should be watered thoroughly. Watering helps dissolve the fertilizer granules and moves the nutrients down into the root zone, making them available for uptake by the tree.