How to plant an apricot from a seed at the dacha in open ground, grow and care for it

Apricot is a tree famous for its productivity, taste qualities of fruits, and ease of care. That is why, even in a small garden, the owners try to allocate an area for a tree. It is not necessary to buy seedlings; if you understand in advance how to grow an apricot from a seed and the basic rules of agricultural technology, it is quite possible to obtain high-quality planting material.

Which apricot kernels are suitable for planting?

It is believed that trees grown from seeds rarely retain their mother's characteristics, although many gardeners have found in practice that this is not the case. That is why, when planning to propagate a crop by seeds, it is recommended to pay attention to the taste of the fruit. Apricots should be large, sweet, with juicy, aromatic pulp. You also need to check the taste of the seed kernels - there should not be too obvious bitterness. You also first need to decide which variety is preferable for the region. In cool regions it is better to grow early apricots, in warm regions - middle or even late ripening.

When planning to grow a tree from seeds, it is recommended to first check the quality of the planting material:

1. Pour warm water into a container.
2. Place the seeds in the liquid.
3. Remove the seeds floating on the surface; they are unsuitable for growing; low-quality material will not produce sprouts.

Use only fresh seeds for planting. Even with proper storage in a cool room, germination rate is significantly reduced in just a year.

When to plant apricot

The optimal time for planting apricot seeds is autumn, spring, but even in summer, gardeners who love to experiment plant seeds that quickly sprout.Regardless of when exactly the planting material will be sent into the ground, you need to prepare the seed for planting. Until it freezes (goes through the stratification stage), you can’t expect sprouts to appear.

It is recommended to properly freeze planting material under natural conditions, but before spring or summer planting, you will have to put the seeds in the freezer. Autumn planting is simpler - you just need to put the seeds in the ground so that sprouts appear when the weather warms up.

in spring

In spring, it is recommended to germinate planting material in open ground. It is important to take care of a suitable location in advance - choose a sunny area, without drafts.

Replanting plants planted after winter is possible only the following spring; during the summer it is recommended to carry out normal care.

2-3 months before planting, send the seeds for stratification. Use the freezer for this - low temperature guarantees high germination. If there is no time left for freezing, it is recommended to use an emergency method - soak the bones in ice water for 2-3 days. Change the liquid with ice chips regularly.

in autumn

Plants obtained from seeds planted in autumn are resistant to difficult climatic conditions and diseases, but in terms of germination they are significantly inferior to spring planting material. Seeds are sent to open ground just before frost - from the last days of October until snow falls.

Even frost is not an obstacle to planting seedlings. The main thing is to make grooves in advance and stock up on soil with which to subsequently sprinkle the seeds.

About the planting scheme

It is better to plant apricot seeds in long furrows.The distance between the rows is at least half a meter; this will allow watering, loosening the soil, and fertilizing without the risk of damaging delicate trees. Planting depth - up to 7 cm.

Leave a small distance between the seeds - 20-30 cm, which is recommended to be shortened if there are doubts about the quality of the planting material. It is better to germinate the seeds first, then thin out.

Recommended soil composition

The success of growing an apricot tree largely depends on the correct soil. The soil should be light and provide access to oxygen. If the soil on the site is heavy, it is better to purchase a ready-made substrate for seedlings or mix a special composition:

• 3 parts garden soil;
• part of coarse sand;
• 2 parts of turf;
• some wood ash;
• 2 parts peat;
• part of the clay.

It is recommended to add a little saltpeter (no more than a handful per 10 liters of soil mixture). Mix thoroughly - the components should be distributed evenly. The same soil composition is recommended to be used when transplanting seedlings.

Be sure to put a layer of drainage - small crushed stone, pebbles, crushed brick. Place the prepared soil mixture into the furrow, carefully place the seeds, and cover with a layer of soil. It is recommended to use mulch (peat, compost), which will allow you not to worry about the soil drying out.

Optimal place for planting

To plant young plants in the country, it is recommended to choose a cozy corner without drafts. Make sure that gusts of wind do not harm the trees - install a fence or choose a site near outbuildings. Apricots are a heat-loving crop, so it is recommended to choose a sunny place for planting them. Light partial shade is also allowed, but there remains a risk that the trees will become too elongated.

Undesirable neighborhood

Compatibility with other fruit trees also plays an important role. It is not recommended to plant apricots near large crops - apple trees, pears, nuts. Wide crowns of neighboring plants prevent access to sunlight and fresh air, which causes diseases and poor fruiting.

On the site, the most recommended neighbors for apricots are cherries and plums. The crop does well near bushes - currants, raspberries.

Seedling planting depth

It is better to prepare the planting hole for apricots in advance. The recommended diameter is at least 70 cm. Depth is up to half a meter. Be sure to put a drainage layer.

Basic rules for planting plants:

• Place prepared nutrient soil (10 cm) on the drainage layer;
• pour a low mound on which to place the root shoots;
• sprinkle with soil, compact easily;
• put a mulch layer;
• water abundantly.

Be sure to immediately tie the seedling to a support, which will allow you not to worry about gusts of wind.

At what distance to plant

When calculating the distance between seedlings, it is recommended to take into account the apricot variety. Some representatives of this crop grow up to 15 m with a crown radius of more than 4 m. Plants should not be planted too close to each other or other fruit trees - subsequently, such negligence in the rules of agricultural technology threatens poor fruiting.

The recommended distance between apricots is at least 5 m. You can use staggered planting - also leave 5 m between the rows.

Care after planting a seedling

Regardless of the culture, replanting is a considerable stress for the plant.That is why you should pay considerable attention to the seedlings, ensure timely watering, adding nutrients, and pruning. Inspect the trees regularly, checking for pests - insects can destroy young plants.

Protection from pests and diseases

The easiest way to protect plants is to take preventive measures in a timely manner. Regularly remove dry, damaged or diseased branches and collect insects. It is imperative to carry out preventive spraying of seedlings with Bordeaux mixture and copper sulfate. It is recommended not to forget about whitewashing with slaked lime.

Loosen the soil at least once a month; weeds take a lot of useful substances from the soil, which will immediately affect the growth and development of the crop.

Formation of trees

Like most fruit crops, apricot requires crown formation. It is recommended to start pruning 1-2 years after planting in a permanent place. The main trunk is usually shortened, the distance from the ground surface to the cut point is 75-80 cm.

After the crown is formed, the skeletal shoots are pruned. Leave the central branch, shortening it by about a third. Also regularly remove shoots growing from one point - it is recommended to leave only 1-2 branches.

Fertilizer

At first, the apricot needs enough nutritional components that are added during planting. If the soil mixture has not been used, it is recommended to apply mulch (mix compost with superphosphate and potash fertilizers). To improve flowering and more active fruiting, it is recommended to spray with a nitrogen composition in the fall. Prepare the solution at the rate of 100 g of nitrogen fertilizers per 10 liters of water.

Watering

Water apricots in dry weather, but not too often - the trees are afraid of waterlogging. The norm per seedling is up to 10 liters of liquid. It is recommended to loosen the soil first, this will allow moisture to penetrate to a greater depth.

Particular attention should be paid to watering three times - at the time of flowering, when the ovary appears, two weeks before the apricots ripen. Use only warm liquid, kept for several hours under the sun.

Apricot care in winter

The apricot root system can withstand even severe frosts, but it is better to insulate young trees for the winter. This is easy to do - build a small hut of branches around the trunk, wrap it in film, and put spruce branches. It is easier to protect older trees from frost - just wrap the main trunk with burlap or straw. Cover the tree trunk area with a thick layer of mulch and cover it with snow in winter.

Grafting a tree grown from seed

Conduct apricot grafting, which are grown from seeds, not necessarily - it often happens that even without this operation, the tree begins to actively bear fruit after a few years. The optimal time for grafting is early spring, the buds should be at rest. It is better to prepare the scion in advance - in the fall.

Store in a cool place - in the basement, refrigerator. The recommended grafting method for young seedlings is copulation. Make long cuts (up to 3 cm). After joining the sections, secure the grafting site tightly.

Will an apricot grown from a seed bear fruit?

Apricots grown from seeds do not differ in fruiting from grafted plants, although the first fruits will appear 2-3 years later than in cultivated varieties. During ripening, water the tree generously, otherwise there is a risk that the plant will not be able to cope with the weight of the fruit.After fruiting, it is recommended to check to what extent the tree has reproduced its mother’s characteristics. If apricots do not differ in size or taste, you need to graft.

Nuances and timing of planting in accordance with climatic conditions

Much in growing apricots depends on climatic conditions. The warmer the region, the higher the opportunity to get full-fledged plants from seeds, achieve a good harvest, and not pay attention to shelters for the winter.

Planting apricots in central Russia

Growing crops in regions with temperate climatic conditions will not be difficult. Plant seedlings in spring (April, May) or mid-autumn (October). Be sure to cover the plants for the winter - use burlap, spruce branches, snow.

Planting apricots in Belarus

The temperate climate of Belarus allows planting seedlings in early spring or mid-autumn. As in regions of Russia that are not characterized by low, severe temperatures, you will have to use a cover for the winter. With the onset of the first warm days, be sure to remove the spruce branches or burlap - melt water can harm the crop.

Apricot planting in the Urals

The harsh conditions of the Urals make it possible to grow good large apricots, but it is recommended to give preference to early varieties. Planting should be done no earlier than May and no later than the end of September. Be sure to put a thick layer of mulch, which will serve as an additional cover before frost. The trunk must also be insulated - severe frosts can damage the delicate bark of young trees.

Planting apricots in Siberia

When planting seedlings in harsh Siberian conditions, it is recommended to monitor weather conditions.Go to the garden after the onset of stable heat - in May and June. It’s also better not to be late with the autumn dates - planting should be done in August and September. A warm cover for the winter is mandatory, and it is recommended to insulate the trunk circle and the main trunk.

If the plant is not too large, wrap even the branches in burlap or film, first collect them in a large bundle and secure with twine. Growing apricot, this wonderful crop, from seeds is an interesting and not too complicated process. The main thing is to adhere to the recommendations and rules of agricultural technology, carefully care for the tree, and avoid making gross mistakes that could be fatal for the plant.