When to sow apricot seeds? Detailed guide to the best planting time
Apricot kernels are the seeds of the apricot, and because they are edible, taste good and are rich in nutritional value, they are eaten as nuts. But in botanical terms, the apricot is actually not a fruit but a seed. Whether you are growing apricots or want to harvest apricot kernels, you have to sow seeds. When to sow apricot seeds, how to treat the seeds before sowing, and the sowing method 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 after sowing you still need to propagate by grafting, then cleft grafting is also done 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, you can soak the seeds in hot water of about 80 degrees, stirring while soaking; stirring allows the temperature to gradually drop and prevents the seeds from being scalded. Once the water temperature becomes warm, you can stop stirring. After that, take the seeds out and rinse them once a day with 50-degree hot water. Once the seed shells have opened at the seam and sprouting begins, they can be sown. If you do not want to wait, you can use a tool to open a seam in the seed shell, but you must not damage the seed. They also need to be sprouted in an insulated box.
3. Sowing method
Form large ridges for planting, one row per ridge, and finally sow in holes; this ensures growing space after the seedlings emerge. The plant spacing is generally about 10 cm. Sow about one seed per hole, and replant if no seedlings emerge. But if both seeds sprout, the plants will be crowded and will still need to be transplanted. Sow the seeds at a depth of about just over 1 cm. Cover with about 5 cm of soil. After covering with soil, firm the soil, then water thoroughly.
4. Planting method
After the seeds emerge, following a period of cultivation, the plants can be transplanted once they have grown to about 50 cm. After planting out, you need to take into account the space the plants will need when they grow larger. Plant spacing is about 4 m and row spacing about 4 to 5 m. About 40 plants are grown per mu. You can also plant them more closely, with a plant spacing of 3 m and a row spacing of 4 m. Do not dig a large hole; the seedlings are not very big, so a hole as deep as the root system is enough. Plant after fertilizing, cover with soil and lift the seedling, then cover with soil again, and water to settle the roots.
Apricot kernel sowing is carried out in spring and autumn. Sowing requires treating the seeds; the seeds are somewhat special, as the seed shell is very hard and sprouting takes a relatively long time. If sowing and emergence go smoothly, the planting process can proceed without problems.