Propagating apricots with pits is possible, but requires some skill and patience. Because it can take several years for the fruit stone to develop into a fruit-bearing tree. 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 inserting the core. We have summarized instructions and helpful tips for you in this article. How to grow your own apricot tree.
grow apricot tree
If you want to try your luck and grow an apricot tree from a stone, you can simply use the stone stone of an eaten apricot. However, quick action is required here, because the fruit stone should be planted as soon as possible. This is mainly due to the fact that the germination capacity decreases the longer the apricot kernel lies. Before this is planted, however, 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 core under running water
- dab stone core
- dry with kitchen paper
3 ways to plant apricot kernels
To grow an apricot tree from a core, the hobby gardener has three different methods to choose from. On the one hand, the stone core can be used directly after cleaning or it can be pre-treated accordingly. On the other hand, there is the option of removing the apricot stone and only planting the almond-shaped seed.
1. Plant untreated apricot kernels
The simplest method and at the same time the one with the least amount of work is to insert the apricot stone directly into the ground. However, since the apricot kernel is untreated, the young sprout has to crack the fruit kernel out of its own shell. Of course, this process takes time, which is why it is also the most time-consuming method of planting.
- Advantage: less work
- Disadvantage: Germination takes a long time
2. Pre-treat the apricot kernel
In order to make it easier for the young sprout to crack open the shell, the apricot pit can be treated accordingly beforehand. By roughening the shell with sandpaper, the seed can absorb water better and the stone core can crack more quickly. 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 pit is to soak the pit in lukewarm water for two to three days.
3. Plant only the seed
In the last method, the fruit core is first cracked open with a nutcracker and only the almond-shaped seed inside is planted. This is also the fastest variant, because the seed does not have to break through the hard kernel shell. It is quite possible that the first cotyledons are already visible after 10 to 14 days.
- Advantage: fastest method
- Disadvantage: workload
tip: Cracking is easier if the fruit stone has been stored in the refrigerator for a week or in lukewarm water for two to three days.
Plant the apricot kernels or seeds
Depending on the method selected, the fruit core or the seed is subsequently used. In order to increase the chances of success, it is worth considering certain factors. Because the right substrate as well as the container and the location play an essential role in the success of germination.
vessel
The fruit core is best placed in a small flower pot, which is also covered with cling film. Because the use of the foil 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 rot.
- Only plant one apricot kernel per pot!
- Transplant when plant is a few inches tall
- the new vessel should be slightly larger
substrate
The germination of an apricot kernel can take months, so it is all the more important that the apricot kernel has found a suitable substrate. Special potting soil is also best suited for growing an apricot tree. This is because it is low in nutrients and well drained and thus provides the ideal conditions for the young plant. Alternatively, sandy or peaty soil is also suitable, provided it has these properties:
- absolutely unfertilized!
- well drained
- Mixture of earth and sand
location
As soon as the first green tips appear, the jar should be placed in a bright and warm place. A bright window sill is ideal, but the young tree can also take a place in the garden. However, the latter is only possible if the climate is mild. In addition, the following must be observed:
- avoid direct sunlight
- The apricot tree does not tolerate waterlogging
- Antifreeze is necessary
- protect from rain and wind
notice: Both rain and wind have an unfavorable effect on the development of the apricot tree. It is therefore advisable to put it under a canopy or to protect it from the weather in some other way.
Planting apricot kernels - instructions
How the apricot kernel is ultimately planted is always the same, regardless of the pre-treatment and also for seeds. First, the vessel is filled with the appropriate substrate before the core or seed is then used and cared for as follows:
- Insert the fruit core into the substrate from the side
- about three inches deep
- moisten soil
- Put cling film over the jar
- Always keep soil moist
- Avoid waterlogging!
- Remove foil regularly
notice: The apricot kernel is allowed to look out of the ground a bit, because this makes the germination process more visible.