apricot tree fertilizer nz

Apricot trees should be fed in summer and autumn with sheep pellets and compost to improve soil fertility and drainage, and gypsum to improve friability of clay soils. Fertilise with specifically formulated fruit fertiliser and spray with copper in late winter to kill off any fungal disease.

1. What is the best fertilizer for apricot trees?
2. How do you fertilize an apricot tree?
3. How do you look after an apricot tree?
4. How do I get my apricot tree to produce fruit?
5. Do apricot trees need lots of water?
6. Do you need 2 apricot trees to produce fruit?
7. What time of year do you prune apricot trees?
8. How long does it take for an apricot tree to bear fruit?
9. How long do apricot trees live?
10. Where is the best place to plant an apricot tree?
11. Why do apricots fall off the tree?
12. How deep do apricot tree roots grow?
13. Do you need a male and female apricot tree?
14. How often do you water an apricot tree?

What is the best fertilizer for apricot trees?

If your mature apricot is in good general health but shows reduced vigor and poor fruit production, it is time to fertilize. Apply a balanced fertilizer, 16-16-16, for example, in early spring (late February or March) and fall (late September or October). Apply no more than 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per year.

How do you fertilize an apricot tree?

If you do need to feed your trees, apply about one half to one cup of fertilizer for young trees and one to two cups for mature trees. Also, check the application instructions for the specific fertilizer you are using.

How do you look after an apricot tree?

The trees will need an inch (2.5 cm.) of water weekly, especially during bloom and fruiting. Use a drip irrigation system to avoid wet leaves, flowers and fruit. Be sure your apricot tree care includes thinning of the fruit once it comes in; thin the fruits to 1 ½ to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm.)

How do I get my apricot tree to produce fruit?

Since apricots bloom on two-year-old wood, you have to be really careful how you prune them and realize that any year with heavy pruning may lead to a couple of years without fruit. Leave plenty of old growth to balance the new when you're pruning apricot trees in the future, but do prune to stimulate fruit production.

Do apricot trees need lots of water?

Apricot trees require deep watering, especially when they begin bearing fruit. To avoid over-watering your apricot trees, water the trunk and base areas every two weeks or so, giving your trees a healthy soak.

Do you need 2 apricot trees to produce fruit?

There does not have to be a second apricot tree for the blooms to produce fruit for most apricots, because most varieties are self-fruitful. The blooms appear during early March or the end of February and require dry weather to remain on the tree and produce fruit.

What time of year do you prune apricot trees?

Prune apricot trees in late winter or early spring as the new leaves and flowers begin to open. During this period of time the tree is actively growing and the pruning cuts heal quickly so that diseases have little chance to enter the wounds.

How long does it take for an apricot tree to bear fruit?

Apricot trees typically bear fruit three to four years after planting. In order to increase your chances of a bountiful harvest, make sure to provide your tree the care it needs.

How long do apricot trees live?

Apricot trees are perennials, meaning that they can live for very long periods of time; apricots usually live between 40 and 150 years.

Where is the best place to plant an apricot tree?

Best Climate and Site for Growing Apricots

• Plant apricots in full sun. ...
• Plant apricots in a well-drained loamy soil. ...
• Apricots grow best in neutral or slightly alkaline soil with a soil pH range of 6.7 to 7.5.
• Avoid planting apricots where there is a prevailing breeze or in low spots that can collect frost.

Why do apricots fall off the tree?

Apricots can drop off the tree before they are ready for harvest. This is often a built in safety mechanism if the tree produces a larger than normal number of blossoms. If too many of the flowers are pollinated, the tree will produce a large amount of fruit and drop some of it to lighten the load.

How deep do apricot tree roots grow?

Almost all of the apricot root system was located in the first 0.75 m of soil depth, with 91% in the first 0.50 m. More than 75% of the roots corresponded to thin roots, with a diameter less than 0.2 mm.

Do you need a male and female apricot tree?

It is often said that two fruit trees are needed for production, but it's not because there are separate male and female trees. ... Although some apricot varieties will set some fruit on their own, two different varieties are best for cross-pollination.

How often do you water an apricot tree?

Watering Your Apricot

For mature trees, water every 10 to 14 days if there's been no rain. Let it soak into the soil but don't let the water pool around the tree trunk because it can cause root rot. Trees just getting established need more frequent watering, particularly during the first year.