How to Plant an Apricot Tree from a Pit

Apricots are delicious and nutritious fruits that you can grow in your backyard. One of the ways to grow an apricot tree is through planting a pit. In this article, we will take a look at how to plant an apricot tree from a pit.

Step 1: Find a Ripe Apricot

The first step to growing an apricot tree from a pit is to find a ripe apricot. Look for apricots that are soft and slightly bruised. A ripe apricot will easily separate from its pit when you twist it open.

Step 2: Remove the Pit from the Apricot

Once you have a ripe apricot, remove the pit from the fruit. You can do this by twisting the apricot in opposite directions until it cracks open. Carefully remove the pit from the fruit without damaging it. Use a kitchen knife or a pair of scissors to cut through the flesh of the fruit if necessary.

Step 3: Clean the Pit

Next, clean the pit to remove any remaining flesh or debris. Rinse the pit with clean water and pat it dry with a towel. You can also allow the pit to air dry for a few hours before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Crack the Pit Open

Apricot pits have a hard outer shell that needs to be cracked open before the seed inside can grow. You can crack the pit open using a nutcracker, pliers, or a small hammer. Be careful not to damage the seed inside the pit.

Step 5: Soak the Seed

After cracking the pit open, soak the seed in a bowl of water for 24 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat and improve the chances of germination.

Step 6: Plant the Seed

Prepare a pot or a planting container with well-draining soil. Fill the pot with soil and make a small hole in the center. Plant the seed in the hole with the pointed end facing up. Cover the seed with soil and press it down gently.

Step 7: Water the Seed

Water the soil after planting the seed until it is moist but not waterlogged. Ensure that the soil remains moist throughout the germination process. Water the seed regularly, but do not overwater it.

Step 8: Provide Adequate Light and Temperature

Apricot seeds need adequate light and temperature to germinate. Place the planting container in a sunny and warm location, such as a windowsill, where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Keep the temperature between 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C) during the day and 10 degrees cooler at night.

Step 9: Transplant the Seedling

Once the seedling has grown to about 6 inches tall, it is ready to be transplanted to a larger pot or to the ground. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil to plant the tree. Ensure that the tree has enough space to grow and thrive.

Conclusion

Growing an apricot tree from a pit is a fun and rewarding experience. With these simple steps, you can successfully grow your own apricot tree and enjoy the delicious fruits it produces.