When to sow apricots? A detailed guide to the latest sowing times
The almond is the seed of the apricot. Because it is edible, tastes good, and is rich in nutritional value, it is eaten as a nut. But in fact, botanically speaking, the apricot is not a fruit but a seed. Whether growing apricots or harvesting almonds, seeds must be used for sowing. When to sow apricots, how to treat the seeds for sowing, and the sowing methods are all related points that need to be covered.
1. Sowing time
Generally, the sowing time is the period after the Start of Winter and before the Start of Spring. It is best to sow in spring. Generally, sowing can be done in spring. Spring sowing is at the end of March, and autumn sowing is around the end of November. But if grafting and propagation are to be done after sowing, then branch grafting is also at the end of March, and bud grafting can be done from July to August.
2. Seed treatment
Because the seed shell is very thick and hard, the seeds can be soaked in hot water at about 80 degrees, stirring while soaking; stirring can gradually lower the temperature and prevent the seeds from being scalded. Once the water temperature becomes warm, stirring can stop. After that, scoop them out once a day and rinse them with hot water at 50 degrees. Once the seed shell has opened a crack and sprouting begins, they can be sown. If you do not want to wait, you can use a tool to open a crack in the seed shell, but the seed must not be damaged. Then it just needs to be sprouted in an insulated box.
3. Sowing method
Form large ridges for planting, one row per ridge, and finally sow in hills, which can ensure growing space after the seedlings emerge. The plant spacing is generally about 10 cm. Sow about one seed per hole, and replant if no seedling emerges. But if two seeds both germinate, the growth will be crowded and they will still need to be transplanted. Sow the seeds at a depth of a little over 1 cm. Cover with soil about 5 cm. After covering with soil, compact the soil, then water thoroughly.
4. Planting method
After the seeds emerge and go through a period of cultivation, the plants can be transplanted once they have grown to about 50 cm. After planting, the space needed after the plants grow larger must be taken into account. It is generally about 4 m between plants and 4 to 5 m between rows. About 40 plants are grown per mu. They can also be planted more densely, with 3 m between plants and 4 m between rows. Do not dig a large hole; the seedlings are not very large, so a hole as deep as the root system is enough. Plant after fertilizing, cover with soil and lift the seedlings, then cover with soil again, and water to settle the roots.
Almonds are sown in spring and autumn. Sowing requires treating the seeds; the seeds are somewhat special, as the seed shell is very hard and the sprouting time is relatively long. If sowing and seedling emergence go smoothly, the planting process can proceed smoothly.