If you wanna grow apricots at home, follow these tips
"Have you ever imagined that sweet, juicy apricots can thrive on your balcony or terrace?" If not, think about it now — because if you wanna grow apricots at home, follow these tips, you too can turn your home into a mini-orchard.
Apricot, a delicious and nutrient-rich fruit, is usually grown in cold regions. But with the right technique, soil, and a little patience, you can also grow it at home in a pot or container. Let's know how.
Why is it special to grow apricots at home?
Growing apricots at home has many advantages:
Fresh and organic fruits will always be available.
Balcony gardening will reach a new height.
The apricot plant is also very beautiful as a decorative plant.
This is a great way to connect kids and family with nature.
Is your climate suitable or not?
First of all, it is important to know whether your climate is suitable for apricots or not. Apricot grows well in a cool and dry climate, but it is mostly seen in northern and hilly areas.
However, now, through container gardening and greenhouse technology, it is also being grown in urban areas.
Pro Tip: If the temperature in your area drops below 7°C in winter, then it is the perfect season for apricots.
What type of pot and soil should be chosen?
Container
Choose a container with at least 18 inches in depth and width.
There must be drainage holes at the bottom so that water does not accumulate.
Soil
Loamy soil is considered best for the growth of apricots.
Keep the pH range between 6.0–7.5.
The soil should have good drainage.
You can use this mixture:
40% garden soil.
30% cocopeat or river sand.
20% Compost.
10% vermicompost or cow dung.
Growing from seed or planting a plant?
You can take either approach, but each has its own benefits and challenges.
1. Growing from Seed
Keep the seeds in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks for cold stratification.
After that, germinate the seeds and plant them in the soil.
This takes more time (fruits will appear in 1-2 years), but it is a more satisfying experience.
2. Buying a plant from a nursery
If you want fruits quickly, then buy a 1-2-year-old grafted plant.
It usually starts bearing fruit in 3 years.
It would be better to start with a grafted plant.
Importance of light and temperature
Apricot plants need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Very high heat (40°C+) can cause damage, so install a shade net or green shade in summer.
Water and Irrigation
Excessive water is harmful – "Wet feet, dead roots."
Only water when the soil is dry 2 inches from the top.
In summer, 2-3 times a week, and in winter, only 1 time is enough.
Overwatering can cause fungal infection and root rot.
Fertilizer and Nutrition
For an apricot plant to bear good fruit, regular nutrition is necessary:
NPK (10-10-10) can also be given from time to time in balanced fertilizer.
Cutting and Pruning
Every year in winter, cut out old, dry, and inward-growing branches.
This will keep the plant airy and healthy.
Create a V-shaped canopy to preserve freshness.
Disease and Pest Control
The following problems are common in apricot plants:
1. Aphids (sucking insects)
Use Neem oil spray (5 ml/L) once a week.
2. Powdery Mildew
Spray a solution of baking soda + neem oil + water.
3. Fruit Drop
Do not give excess nitrogen fertilizer; give balanced NPK.
Homemade organic pesticides are the safest and most environmentally friendly solution.
Read this Detailed guide: Homemade natural pest control
Process and time of fruiting
Apricot plants flower in late winter.
The fruits are usually ready between May and June.
Initially, fruits are produced in small quantities, but in 4-5 years, a good yield starts coming.
My own empirical tip
I myself grew a grafted apricot plant in a 20-inch pot in the hot climate. Initially, I was skeptical, but shade net and mulching gave relief to the plant.
In the third year, some fruits came, and the taste made the effort worth it. "If you're thinking of getting started, don't hesitate."