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New seasons trees are freshly potted each winter, be aware that most of the potting mix may fall away from around the roots at this time, and it is important, therefore, you DO NOT pick your tree up by the trunk as you can break the fine feeder roots developing and that you plant the tree immediately as having the roots exposed can damage the plant. 

Apricots prefer an alkaline soil, improve acid soil by adding lime, mushroon compost or animal manure.  Whilst many apricots are self fertile, you will be rewarded with heavier crops if you have a companion apricot nearby.  Select your apricot according to your location ... some require long chill hours to set fruit - low chill varieties are suitable for warmer climates.

Plant your tree ...

Remove the label from the branch before planting your tree, as this can scar and damage the bark of your tree.

Find in a sunny, sheltered position where there is good top soil to plant your tree.  Create a "tree circle" of approx 1 meter in diameter, by clearing away weeds from the top of the soil, then dig a hole in the middle of the circle to plant your tree.  The hole should be larger than the bag that the tree came in, mix the soil in the bottom of the hole to a crumbly consistency. Don’t add compost or green organic matter to the hole as compost tends to absorb excessive moisture and may cause new roots to rot.  

We recommend staking your tree to avoid wind rock and possible root damage; put the stakes around the outside of the hole, before the tree goes in. Stakes should be robust and sturdy. 

Plant your tree no deeper than the soil line in the bag.  

Cut the bottom of the bag away and sit your tree in the hole; when you’re happy it is at the correct height, add some soil around the outside of the tree to hold in place, then cut the sides of bag and remove it completely.  Pressing the soil firmly in place with your hands as you go, continue to add soil until the hole is filled to ground level.

Quality compost/mulch, controlled or slow release fertiliser can now be added in the "tree circle" on top of the soil - the rain, hand watering or healthy organisms will distribute this nutrition to your plant.  Do not allow the mulch/compost to touch the trunk, as this can cause rot.

Most apricots will fruit 3 - 4 years after planting. 

After Care ...

Apricots like fertiliser with a high pH content, e.g. chicken manure, fertilise in spring and water well. Spray in winter with Copper Oxychloride and Conqueror oil, then and Lime Sulphur.  Spray the Lime Sulphur at least 2 weeks after Copper Oxychloride/ Conquerer Oil mix, as they are incompatible.

If you require other seasonal information on trees, then please check out our website for information on how to grow and care for your trees.

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HL Nurseries Limited t/a Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: