Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:29 pm
Propagation of apricots through seeds is possible, but requires some skill and patience. This is because it can take several years for a fruit-bearing tree to develop from the fruit pit. However, if you are patient, you can enjoy home-grown apricots after about three to five years. The chances of success can be increased accordingly if certain factors are taken into account when planting the core. We have summarized instructions and helpful tips for this in this article. How to grow your own apricot tree.
Contents
Grow apricot tree
If you want to try your luck and grow an apricot tree from a stone, you can simply use the stone core of an apricot that has been eaten. However, this requires quick action, because the fruit core should be planted as soon as possible. This is mainly due to the fact that the longer the apricot stone lies, the lower the germination capacity. However, before it is planted, it should first be freed from the pulp in order to reduce the risk of mold. The best way to do this is as follows:
- Wash the stone under running water
- dab the stone core
- dry with kitchen paper
3 ways to plant apricot kernels.
To grow an apricot tree from a stone core, the amateur gardener has three different methods to choose from. On the one hand, the stone core can be inserted directly into after cleaning, or it can be pre-treated accordingly. Secondly, there is the possibility of removing the apricot stone and planting only the almond-shaped seed.
- planting apricot kernel untreated
The simplest method and at the same time the one with the least amount of work is to plant the apricot kernel directly into the soil. However, since the apricot pit is untreated, the young sprout must crack the fruit pit from its own shell. Of course, this process takes time, which is why it is the most time-consuming method of planting.
Advantage: little labor
Disadvantage: germination takes a long time
- pre-treatment of apricot kernel
To make it easier for the young sprout to crack open the skin, the apricot pit can be treated appropriately beforehand. By roughening the skin with sandpaper, the seed can better absorb water and the stone core can crack faster. This in turn has an effect on germination, because it starts correspondingly earlier.
Advantage: Germination is faster
Disadvantage: Preparation necessary
Tip: Another way to pre-treat the apricot seed is to put the seed in lukewarm water for two to three days.
- planting only the seed
In the last method, the fruit pit is cracked in advance with a nutcracker and only the almond-shaped seed inside is planted. This is also the fastest option, because here the seed does not have to break through the hard kernel shell first. It is quite possible that the first cotyledons are already visible after 10 to 14 days.
Advantage: fastest method
Disadvantage: labor
Tip: Cracking is easier if the fruit pit has previously been stored in the refrigerator for a week or in lukewarm water for two to three days.
Planting the apricot pit or seed
Depending on the method selected, the fruit pit or seed is subsequently planted. To increase the chances of success, it is worth considering certain factors here. This is because the suitable substrate as well as the container and the location play an essential role in the success of germination.
Container
The fruit seed is best placed in a small flower pot, which is also covered with cling film. This is because the use of the film ensures that the soil remains constantly moist. However, the foil should be removed or opened regularly so that the air can circulate. This not only promotes the climate in the flower pot, but also prevents rotting.
- plant only one apricot seed per pot!
- transplant when plant is a few centimeters tall
- the new pot should be slightly larger
- substrate
The germination of an apricot seed can take months, so it is all the more important that the apricot seed has found its place in a suitable substrate. Special growing soil is also best for growing an apricot tree. This soil is low in nutrients and well-drained, thus providing the ideal conditions for the young plant. Alternatively, sandy or peaty soil is also suitable, provided it has these properties:
- absolutely unfertilized!
- well permeable
- mixture of soil and sand
Location
As soon as the first green tips appear, the container should be placed in a bright and warm place. A bright windowsill is ideal, but the young tree can also directly take a place in the garden. However, the latter is possible only if there is a mild climate. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the following:
- avoid direct sunlight
- apricot tree does not tolerate waterlogging
- frost protection is necessary
- protect from rain and wind
Note: Both rain and wind have an unfavorable effect on the development of the apricot tree. Therefore, it is advisable to place it under a roof or otherwise protect it from the weather.
Planting apricot pit – instructions
How to plant the apricot seed in the end is always the same, regardless of the pre-treatment and even for seeds. First, the container is filled with the appropriate substrate before the pit or seed is then inserted and cared for as follows:
- Insert fruit core into the side of the substrate
- about three centimeters deep
- Moisten the soil
- Place cling film over the container
- Keep soil moist at all times
- Avoid waterlogging!
- Remove foil regularly
