Picking Apricots When And How To Harvest An Apricot

Apricot harvest is best accomplished when they are completely ripe on the tree. The ripening period of the fruit may extend over a three-week period for some varieties, so picking apricots may span this time frame.

How do you know when apricots are ready to pick?

How to tell when apricots are ripe: When the fruit has turned a golden, orange colour, has a strong, sweet smell, and is firm but has a bit of give when gently squeezed. If the apricots feel like rocks or are still greenish, let them continue to ripen on the tree.

Do apricots continue to ripen after being picked?

Apricots. Apricots continue to ripen after picking. They should be stored at room temperature, away from sunlight and heat until they give softly to the touch and have a sweet aroma.

How early can you pick apricots?

Identifying a Ripe Apricot

The best way to assess whether the apricot is ready to pick is to taste it. Late June through August is typically considered harvest time for apricots, according to Nebraska Extension.

How long does it take for apricots to ripen on the tree?

The average time span for apricots to ripen is three weeks. Be prepared to check your tree every few days for a while, harvesting only the ripe fruit each time.

Why are my apricots falling off the tree?

Apricot fruit falling off your tree happens because most trees produce significantly more flowers than they need. The odds are that these flowers won't all be successfully pollinated, so the extras are like insurance for the apricot. ... The stress of so many fruits causes apricot trees to shed fruits — sometimes twice!

How often should I water my apricot tree?

Watering Your Apricot

For mature trees, water every 10 to 14 days if there's been no rain. ...
If your area gets lots of moisture during winter and spring, you may only have to water the mature apricot three to four times from summer into fall.

Is it okay to eat the skin of an apricot?

It's best to enjoy apricots whole and unpeeled, as the skin boasts large amounts of fiber and nutrients. Be sure to discard the stone, as it's inedible. Summary Apricots are low in calories and fat while also an excellent source of vitamins A and C.

How many apricots should you eat a day?

Apricots are a recommended health food

Obviously dried apricots count as one of your five a day. The recommended portion is 30gms (3 or 4 apricots). All dried fruit contains the same nutritional qualities as the original fresh fruit.

What can I do with fresh picked apricots?

With that, here's a roundup of our favorite apricot-themed recipes to sweeten your mid-summer menu.

Grilled apricot salad. ...
Apricot chicken. ...
Apricot swirl cheesecake. ...
Apricot rice pilaf. ...
Apricot cake. ...
Apricot chutney. ...
Stuffed apricots. ...
Apricot almond bites.

What month are apricots in season?

Fresh apricots are at their peak from May through August, though they are often imported from South America off season. Rich color, sweet scent, and a slightly soft fruit indicate they are tree-ripened, which packs the best flavor.

Where do apricots grow?

Apricots are native to parts of Asia. They are hugely popular in Middle Eastern countries, with Turkey and Iran being the world's largest producers of the fruit. Spanish missionaries are credited with introducing the apricot to California, which is the leading state of apricot production within the United States.

How do you wash apricots?

Stone fruits such as apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and pluots should be rubbed firmly then rinsed under running water. Grapes, berries, and cherries should all be washed under running water just before eating.

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.

Do apricot trees produce every year?

Some apricots are also alternate-bearing – meaning, like avocados, they don't produce fruit every single year. Sometimes they put out every other year, and sometimes every third year. And then, there is the rain equation. Apricots bloom early in February and March – the height of our rainy season in normal years.

Does an apricot tree need a pollinator?

Apricots are self-fruitful, meaning that they may be pollinated by pollen from another flower on the same tree, or in the case of apricots, by pollen from the same flower. ... Although not required, cross-pollination does improve the number of fruit that form on apricots.

When can I prune an apricot tree?

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 do you treat an apricot scab?

Fungicides are the big weapon in treating apricot scab. You'll need to find a fungicide recommended for this disease, then spray according to label directions. Often, you'll need to spray every two weeks from the time the petals fall until 40 days before harvest.

Can you freeze fresh apricots?

To freeze, slice apricots in half and remove the pit, which will impart a bitter flavor. ... Simply blanch in boiling water for one minute, plunge into cold water, drain and freeze. Apricots may also be packed in sugar or syrup for freezing and frozen up to 1 year.

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.

How do you care for 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.)

Why are my apricots so small?

The most common reason for small fruit size is over production. In single season too many flowers set fruit/ apricots. To have larger fruit you will have to thin the number of fruit per branch. There should be only one fruit every 6 to 8 inches.