How to Grow Apricots from Seed?

How to Grow Apricots from Seed? It is simple to grow apricots from seed. Apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) can be grown from fresh seeds, albeit the fruit produced by the developed tree may differ from that of the parent tree. But did you know that planting an apricot tree from seed can result in a healthy tree that produces delicious apricots? Growing an apricot tree from seed is an intriguing project, as I grew an apricot tree from a seed pit in Sydney, Australia.

How to Grow Apricots from Seed?

1. Selection of Seeds

1. Only fully ripe, fresh apricot seeds will germinate and sprout reliably.
2. Choose apricots that are deep golden-orange in colour and slightly firm.
3. Avoid any fruit that shows symptoms of injury.

2. Seed Preparation to Grow Apricots from Seed

Apricot seeds require some prepping before planting to ensure optimal germination. To begin, rinse each pit in lukewarm water to remove any sticky, sweet fruit residue. Allow them to air dry for a day or two on a paper towel. The pit contains apricot seeds. The pit protects the seed inside and is so thick and stiff that it occasionally hinders germination.

Lightly cracking the pit with a nutcracker or a pair of pliers will aid in the sprouting of the seeds; however, do not entirely split apart the seed as this will destroy the embryo. Apply just enough pressure to the edge to open a small crack.

3. Seed Stratification

1. Before sowing, apricot seeds should be chilled for 2-3 months at temperatures around 10°C (50°F).
2. Carefully remove the seeds from the pits, being careful not to shatter or damage the seeds.
3. Place the seeds in the refrigerator on a damp paper towel or sphagnum moss. If the seeds are kept in the fridge for an extended period of time, they may sprout.
4. During the winter months, simply sow the seeds in containers; the seeds will naturally chill before sprouting.

4. Seed Sowing and Germination

1. Place the cooled or sprouted seed in a small pot of free-draining soil. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep.
2. Place the pot outside in a sheltered, warm, and sunny spot. They germinate best when the temperature is around 30°C (86°F) during the day and above 20°C (68°F) at night.
3. Maintain an even moisture level in the soil.

5. Seedling Care

1. When the seedling has a few pairs of leaves, carefully transplant it to a larger pot, taking care not to injure the taproot. Before transplanting into the ground in a sunny site, keep the pot in partial shade for one complete growing season.
2. Spread a thick layer of organic mulch away from the trunk.

Also Read: How to Grow Longan from Seed?