Do I need two trees for fruit?

Most varieties are self fertile, so you only need one tree.

Prune in late summer to avoid diseases that spread in winter.

Plant guide

Apricot.

Prunus armeniaca

Pronounced PROO-nus ar-men-ee-AY-ka

Also known as Apricot, Common Apricot, Siberian Apricot, Tibetan Apricot

The apricot is a lovely deciduous tree that produces sweet, velvety fruits in early summer. It thrives in temperate climates with distinct seasonal changes. You will enjoy its beautiful spring blossoms as much as the harvest.

Another photo of Apricot — Photo by harrylurling (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Deciduous fruit tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 20 to 30 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 8
Bloom time: Early spring

Care

Plant in a sunny spot with well draining soil to keep the roots happy. Watch for signs of fungal issues like leaf spot if the spring is particularly wet. Pruning helps maintain an open canopy for better fruit production.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged during the growing season.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring just before new growth begins.
Pruning: Prune in late summer after harvest, in dry weather, to shape the branches and remove dead wood. Avoid pruning in winter, when wounds are more open to silver leaf and bacterial canker.
Repotting: If grown in a container, move to a larger pot every few years to accommodate root growth.
Soil: Loamy, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: -25 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 15 to 25 years.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth despite regular feeding

Safety

People: The leaves and seeds are toxic if ingested due to cyanogenic glycosides.
Pets: The seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: The hard pits inside the fruit pose a significant choking hazard to small children.
Contact allergens: Handling the foliage may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger seasonal allergies for some people during the early spring bloom.
Edibility: Apricot seeds contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when ingested and should never be consumed.

How to identify it

Heart shaped serrated leaves
Velvety orange or yellow fruit
Fragrant white to pink flowers
Rough dark brown bark

Height: 3 to 6m
Spread: 3 to 6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, pink, 2 to 3cm
Fruit: orange, yellow, Summer

Problems to watch for

Brown rot · A fungal infection that causes fruit to rot and twigs to wilt.
Aphids · Small insects that suck sap from new growth and leaves.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: grafting, seed
When to plant: early spring, late autumn
Overwintering: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from extreme cold. Ensure the tree is dormant before any late winter pruning.
In containers: Dwarf varieties can grow in large containers, but they generally prefer open ground.

Grafting

1. Select a healthy rootstock.
2. Make a clean cut on both scion and rootstock.
3. Join the cambium layers securely.
4. Wrap the graft union with grafting tape.
5. Monitor for successful union after several weeks.

Planting aromatic herbs nearby can help confuse pests that target fruit trees.

Grows well with

Chives · They help deter certain pests with their strong scent.
Nasturtium · These act as a trap crop for aphids.

Similar species

Peach · It is a close relative with similar growth habits and care needs.
Plum · It shares the same genus and similar cultural requirements.

Science

Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Central Asia and Western China.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern as it is widely cultivated globally.

It thrives in temperate climates with distinct seasonal changes and well drained soil.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees
Uses: culinary fruit, ornamental flowering tree, jam making

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need two trees for fruit?: Most varieties are self fertile, so you only need one tree.
When should I prune?: Prune in late summer to avoid diseases that spread in winter.

Where the name comes from

The name Prunus is the classical Latin name for plum, while armeniaca reflects the historical belief that the fruit originated in Armenia.

Good to know

Apricots are a member of the rose family.
The fruit is technically a drupe.
Apricots were once considered an aphrodisiac in parts of Europe.
California produces the vast majority of apricots in the United States.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your apricot growing

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.