Apricot - Prunus Armeniaca

Apricot trees are a quintessential summer fruit tree variety for New Zealand! We know Christmas is right around the corner once fresh apricots appear in stores. Perfect for fresh eating, apricot varieties can also be dried or preserved to enjoy throughout the year, making them an excellent addition to any home orchard.

Early apricot varieties (December/January harvest) require lower winter chill requirements, making them ideal fruit tree varieties for warmer northern New Zealand regions. Late-season apricot varieties and dwarf cultivars need plenty of winter chill, so perform better in cooler regions like Otago and Canterbury. However, late frosts during blossom period can pose challenges in these areas - an important consideration for your home orchard planner.

Most apricot tree varieties are self-fertile, although there are exceptions, and they typically produce better crops when planted near another apricot variety for cross-pollination. This makes them versatile choices for edible garden spaces of all sizes.

Growing apricot trees successfully requires well-draining, rich organic soil in a sheltered, sunny position within your edible garden. These fruit trees need consistent watering during fruiting season (around 8-10L per week), so consider irrigation if you're in drought-prone areas of New Zealand. Apricot trees are often grafted onto peach or plum rootstocks to enhance specific growing characteristics.

When planning your edible garden with apricot varieties, use our fruit tree selector to match the right cultivar to your New Zealand climate zone and growing conditions.