We continue with the dynamics of the last days of talking about very commercial crops. In this case, it is time to tell you a little about the cultivation of the apricot tree , whose fruit, the apricot, is well known and appreciated by many countries. Now is the time to eat them. If you have not arrived on time, we will help you to grow the apricot tree as soon as possible. Join up!

WE GROW A VERY PRECIOUS TREE, THE APRICOT TREE

Prunus armeniaca is its scientific name and the way to know it worldwide, since in each country it has a specific name. For example, in Spain and Venezuela it is known by the name by which we are mentioning it today, apricot , but in other countries such as Mexico it is called apricot , and in Cuba it is known as d amasco . Even in parts of Spain have different names, such as piesco in Asturias or pavía in Galicia.

The origin of the apricot tree is Asian, specifically in China , where the first wild varieties of Prunus were found. It is considered a medium-small tree, since its pruning attempts to limit its height to facilitate harvesting.

And now, as we always do after the little introduction, we get to know the cultivation tasks.

WEATHER REQUIREMENTS

The most suitable climate for the growth and development of the apricot tree is one that provides quite cold in winter and heat in summer , typical of temperate climates. The cold comes because it is a crop that needs a good accumulation of cold hours , and in the case of heat it is because for the best ripening of the fruits (in the month of May-June) it needs heat to obtain a good amount of sugars.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BEST SOIL FOR APRICOT TREES

As with most trees of the genus Prunus , it does not need special soil conditions to develop. The optimal ones are those that have an alkaline pH, are light , deep and have good drainage . The amount of fertilizer that is available on the ground is very important, especially for the growth of the fruits, as we will comment in the fertilizer part.

IRRIGATION NEEDS

The irrigation needs of the apricot tree are very basic once the tree has reached adulthood. When they are young, care should be directed to providing a watering every little time . In contrast, adults are used to thriving in periods of drought , but without going overboard. We, who want a good development of the tree, and that it lives prosperous and does not survive, will water periodically. In winter, the risks are quite low and can even coexist only with rainwater. If you are in a dry area, you can do a little copious watering every 15-20 days. In summer, however, the irrigation dose increases, the tree begins to bear fruit and needs good amounts of both water and fertilizer.

SUBSCRIBER NEEDS

Before talking about the fertilizer itself, we are going to give you some advice regarding the preparation of the soil before planting it, since the subscriber has an important role . It is convenient to prepare the soil with a good work of subsoiling around 50 centimeters deep. Either in the whole field or only in the holes or ditches where the tree is going to be placed, a mixture of soil and organic matter is introduced, which will form an ideal substrate to settle the roots in the first days of planting. A trick that improves the condition of the tree is to pile up the excess soil when planting it around the trunk.

The fertilizer requirements of the apricot tree are quite important. We take for granted that we want a good harvest, and the abundant incorporation of nutrients throughout the year concludes with a gradual increase in the weight of the fruits as well as an improvement in quality in terms of flavor. It is important to add a good amount of compost during flowering in spring, and at the end of the winter season, and repeat if necessary once the fertilizer that we have made has been consumed.

MOST POPULAR APRICOT VARIETIES

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COLLECT?

The collection, as we have commented before, is done now, at the end of May, beginning of June. It is important to select the optimal harvesting period and never go overboard, since the apricot is a very climacteric fruit . What does that mean? Well, once harvested it takes a few days to spoil and mature excessively. One tip is to collect, as is usually done with bananas, when they are still green, in a few days, and in the heat of June they will take a few days to ripen.