Apricot Tree Planting Methods and Techniques Explained in Detail

SummaryPropagation and seedling raising: Apricot trees can be planted by grafting, sowing, or transplanting. Planting: Plant in deep, well-drained sandy soil, and apply an appropriate amount of decomposed organic fertilizer to each hole. Fertilizer and water: During the growing period, apply an appropriate amount of urea, potassium sulfate compound fertilizer, etc., and water according to soil dryness and moisture. Pruning: Promptly cut off diseased branches and dead branches, and carry out pinching and branch thinning.

I. Propagation and Seedling Raising

1. Generally, grafting is used to plant apricot trees. Of course, you can also choose to sow and propagate in autumn and winter before the ground freezes. In northern regions, transplanting is mainly used.

2. After the cultivated seedlings grow to a certain height, cut strong branches for transplanting. Generally, the suitable height is about 80cm, and the survival rate of such seedlings will be relatively high.

II. Planting

1. Choose to plant in deep, well-drained sandy soil, and according to local actual conditions, determine a reasonable row and plant spacing for planting.

2. Before planting, apply an appropriate amount of decomposed organic fertilizer into the pits. During planting, fully spread the root system, then add soil and press it gently and firmly. After planting, irrigate thoroughly to settle the tree holes.

III. Fertilizer and Water

1. When new shoots grow to about 15cm, you can begin applying quick-acting fertilizer. Generally, underground topdressing and foliar spraying are carried out alternately. From the end of September to early October, an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer can be applied.

2. After covering the shed and before budding, an appropriate amount of urea can be applied. After flower drop and during the fruit expansion period, an appropriate amount of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer can be applied as topdressing. Wait 10-15 days, then spray urea and monopotassium phosphate. At the same time, a 500-fold solution of yield-increasing bacteria can also be sprayed.

3. Generally, after seedlings are planted, water thoroughly once, and later determine the amount and timing of watering according to specific conditions.

IV. Pruning

1. If you want to increase the yield of apricot trees, you need to do a good job of pruning. Generally, during the growth of apricot trees, promptly cut off diseased branches and dead branches; otherwise, they will absorb the nutrients of the apricot tree and cause loss to the trunk.

2. From the fruit expansion period to before fruit maturity, new shoots can be pinched multiple times, which helps control vigorous growth of new shoots and improves the fruit-setting rate and single-fruit weight. During this period, for upright new shoots on the back, methods such as wiping off or twisting shoots can be used to avoid “trees growing on trees” and worsening the light inside the canopy.

3. After fruit harvest and film removal in early to mid-May, branches can be cut back for branch thinning, which helps adjust the growth balance of the tree body and prevent excessive vegetative growth.

4. Generally, for young trees and trees that have just begun bearing fruit, winter pruning needs to take into account both shaping and fruiting. During this period, the main branches, side branches, and extension branches can be lightly pruned and left long, generally retaining 2/3 of the total branch length for cutting back. Vigorous developmental branches with a relatively open angle need to be left unpruned to promote the sprouting of medium and short branches, which helps increase the number of fruiting branches.

5. After flower formation or fruiting, promptly retract and cultivate them into fruiting branch groups. After the apricots mature, harvest them promptly; otherwise, a large amount of fruit drop will occur, resulting in reduced yield.