Apricot Prunus armeniaca
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Central Asia and northern China. It grows 4–6 m (13–20 ft) tall and 4–6 m (13–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Apricot at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Mature height | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit, kernels (sweet types, in moderation) |
| Native to | Central Asia and northern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇨🇳 China, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇷 Iran |
Is Apricot toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: kernels, leaves, bark
Leaves, bark and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) that can release cyanide if chewed in quantity. Kernels of bitter types are especially hazardous; the ripe flesh is safe.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Apricot
Good neighbours
- good With Garlic chives: Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal. Evidence D
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Tomato: Verticillium wilt fungus persists for years in soil where tomatoes grew and kills apricot trees, so avoid planting apricot on such ground. Evidence B
- caution With Potato: Verticillium wilt fungus persists for years in soil where potatoes grew and kills apricot trees, so avoid planting apricot on such ground. Evidence B
- caution With Strawberry: Verticillium wilt fungus persists in strawberry beds and can infect apricot trees planted into that soil, so avoid following strawberries with apricot. Evidence B
- caution With Peach: Brown rot (Monilinia) infects blossoms and fruit of all stone fruit, so mummified fruit on one tree can infect its neighbours. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- Brown rot: Monilinia brown rot moves between cherries, plums, peaches and apricots. Evidence B
- Verticillium wilt: Verticillium lives in soil for years; hosts planted together or in sequence build it up. Evidence B
Questions about Apricot
- How far apart should I plant Apricot?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–6 m (13–20 ft).
- Does Apricot need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Apricot need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Apricot?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Apricot flower?
- From about April for 1–2 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Apricot poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Leaves, bark and pits contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) that can release cyanide if chewed in quantity. Kernels of bitter types are especially hazardous; the ripe flesh is safe.
- What grows well with Apricot?
- Gardeners plant garlic chives among roses to deter aphids and black spot; the evidence is weak and mostly anecdotal.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center: chilling requirements by species and cultivar, University of California, Davis
- UC IPM degree-day models and pest notes, University of California
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Blooms very early so frost often kills the crop outside mild areas; most cultivars self-fertile; chill about 300-900 hours.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Garden rose Rosa x hybrida
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata