How to Plant Apricot Trees From Seeds: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're an avid gardener looking to add more fruit trees to your landscape, or if you simply love the sweet taste of apricots, planting apricot trees from seeds can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. While it may take a few years for your trees to bear fruit, the process of planting and watching them grow can be incredibly rewarding. Follow these step-by-step instructions to plant your own apricot trees from seeds.

Step 1: Obtain Apricot Seeds

The first step in planting apricot trees is to obtain the seeds. You can find apricot seeds in the fruit itself, either by purchasing fresh apricots from a grocery store or by harvesting them from apricot trees in your area. Make sure the seeds are fresh and fully ripe before planting them.

Step 2: Prepare the Seeds

Once you have obtained your apricot seeds, you will need to clean and prepare them for planting. First, remove the outer shell by cracking it open with a nutcracker or pliers. Then, gently rinse the seed under running water to remove any remaining flesh. Use a paper towel to dry the seed completely.

Step 3: Stratify the Seeds

Apricot seeds require stratification, a process of exposing them to cold temperatures to break their dormancy and prepare them for germination. To stratify your seeds, place them in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel and seal the bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator for four to six weeks, making sure the temperature stays between 32 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Plant the Seeds

After the seeds have undergone stratification, it's time to plant them. Fill a pot with potting soil and make a hole about an inch deep. Place the seed in the hole and cover it with soil. Water the soil until it's moist but not waterlogged.

Step 5: Care for the Seedlings

Once the seeds have germinated and sprouted, it's important to care for the seedlings properly to help them grow into healthy trees. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. When the seedlings reach a height of three to four inches, transplant them into a larger pot or into the ground.

Step 6: Maintain the Trees

After your apricot trees have been transplanted, they will need ongoing care to thrive. Make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged, and fertilize the trees with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Prune the trees in the early spring to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

By following these simple steps, you can plant your own apricot trees from seeds and enjoy delicious, fresh apricots right from your own backyard. It may take a few years for your trees to bear fruit, but with proper care and maintenance, they will provide you with a bountiful harvest for years to come.