A Detailed Guide to Apricot Tree Planting Methods and Techniques

The apricot tree is a tree of northern China, and is relatively rarely seen by southerners, though it is also grown in some areas. So what are the methods and techniques for planting apricot trees?

1. Site selection and land preparation

Apricot seedlings are best planted in dry, flat plots with convenient drainage and irrigation. Choose deep, well-ventilated sandy loam soil, and the soil must not be hardened or sticky. Then dig some planting holes at a spacing of 2 m between plants and 3-4 m between rows, apply about 20 jin of farmyard manure in each hole, mix it with soil and cover with 10 cm of soil, place the apricot seedling in it, and cover with a small amount of soil.

2. Seed selection and mulching with plastic film

Go to a specialty market to buy some robust seedlings. Generally, it is best to choose apricot varieties with relatively strong cold resistance and a later flowering period. Then covering the tree disk with plastic film can promote the growth and development of young trees, and can also warm and moisturize the soil, speeding up fruiting of the apricot tree and advancing the time for selling on the market, while also reducing the work of weeding, loosening the soil, and draining water.

3. Planting

The apricot tree has a relatively tall tree form, and the planting density is best controlled at 3×4m or 4×4m. When planting, choose robust young seedlings of excellent varieties. During the growth period of the saplings, prune the fruit trees appropriately in summer and winter; during the spring flowering period, carry out artificial pollination, thin flowers and fruits on the fruit trees, and prevent pest and disease damage, promoting reasonable close planting and scientific cultivation.

4. Management techniques after planting

(1) Fertilization and irrigation: In the early stage when the apricot tree sprouts, apply some urea; when new shoots grow, apply some quick-acting fertilizer, and mainly spray the leaves with potassium dihydrogen phosphate and urea. During flowering and fruiting, more potassium sulfate fertilizer needs to be applied, and throughout the fruiting period, yield-increasing bacteria need to be sprayed. After the fruit is harvested, a large amount of farmyard manure needs to be applied; generally, farmyard manure and nitrogen fertilizer can be applied to promote growth. After planting, water once every 3-4 days; after watering continuously for 30 days, then water once every 15 days, which helps regulate the soil environment.

(2) Plant pruning: After planting and when normal growth resumes, the shade net can be removed, and the trunk can be headed at a position 1 m above the ground. Then leave shoots at separated angles, about 8-10 of them; when they grow to 0.5 m long, 5 branches can be selected for key cultivation, and the rest can be encouraged to sprout new shoots, then repeatedly pinch the tips to promote shoots, cultivate several grades of branches, maintain good angles, and remove dense branches.

(3) Pollination: If the humidity is too high, it will be unfavorable for apricot tree flowering, pollination, and fertilization, and will also cause the fruiting rate to decline. Therefore, artificial pollination can be carried out on sunny days. Because summer temperatures are high, pests and diseases are likely to occur after rain, so at this time pesticides should be sprayed promptly to kill pests.

(4) Light: Receiving sufficient sunlight is conducive to the expansion of the fruit and the improvement of quality, so it is necessary to ensure that different nutrients are supplemented at different stages.