When to plant apricot trees in NZ

Growing your own apricot tree can be a rewarding experience, as apricots are a delicious and nutritious fruit that are great to have on hand for snacking or cooking. If you're living in New Zealand and planning to plant an apricot tree, it's important to consider the right time to do so. Here's what you need to know.

Climate considerations

The first thing to consider when planting an apricot tree in New Zealand is the climate. Apricot trees do best in areas with warm, dry summers and cold winters. They require a certain amount of chill hours in order to successfully set fruit, which means that they need to be exposed to temperatures below 7°C for a certain amount of time during the winter.

Some of the best areas to plant apricot trees in New Zealand include Central Otago, the Marlborough region, and parts of Hawke's Bay. These areas tend to have the right climate and soil conditions to support apricot growth.

Planting time

The best time to plant apricot trees in New Zealand is during the winter months, between June and August. This allows the tree to establish itself in the soil without having to worry about hot weather or water stress. Planting in the winter also means that the tree will be able to take full advantage of the spring growing season.

Spring planting is also an option, but it's important to wait until the soil has warmed up sufficiently and there isn't a risk of frost. This usually happens around September or October, depending on the region.

Soil preparation

Before planting your apricot tree, it's important to prepare the soil properly. Apricots prefer well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. If your soil is clay-heavy or compacted, consider adding organic matter such as compost, manure or peat moss to improve drainage and nutrient content.

It's also a good idea to do a soil pH test to ensure that the soil is within the optimal range for apricot growth. Apricots prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Planting process

When planting your apricot tree, dig a hole that is roughly twice the size of the tree's root ball. Make sure that the hole is deep enough to accommodate the entire root system, but not so deep that the graft union (where the rootstock and scion meet) is buried.

Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to tamp down lightly to avoid air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly after planting, and continue to water regularly throughout the growing season.

Care and maintenance

Once your apricot tree is established, it's important to provide it with proper care and maintenance in order to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. This includes regular watering, fertilization, pruning, and pest and disease control.

Apricot trees require regular pruning to maintain a healthy shape and to promote good fruit production. Prune in the winter months while the tree is dormant, and avoid pruning during the summer growing season.

With proper care and attention, your apricot tree can provide you with years of delicious, juicy fruit. Happy planting!