Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Apricot
(DUO\DXWXPQ
Varieties:
'Hargrand'
Of all the stone fruits available in the UK, apricots are perhaps the most under-
rated because commercially produced fruit is picked under-ripe, which seriously
affects its flavour. If you are lucky enough to have tasted fully ripe apricots from
someone's garden, you will know that their intense flavour rivals that of any
fruit, including peaches. But, sadly, not many people grow apricots, simply
because they're tricky and unreliable. Outside, that is.
Apricots do very well in polytunnels, partly owing to the longer growing season
and warmer summer temperatures, but mainly because of the protection from
spring frosts, which can seriously damage the blossom. Growing any fruit tree in
the tunnel is a considerable investment of space, although you will be repaid in
spades at fruiting time. You should not grow anything nearer to the tree than its
drip line (the imaginary circle where drops of rain striking the outer leaves would
fall), or else the two plants will compete for nutrients. Apricots root deeply and
do not tolerate heavy soils, so if you are growing on clay they may not be for you.
Planting
During the spring, order a two- or three-year-old plant on a dwarfing rootstock
(usually St Julien A) and be sure to tell the supplier whether you need a fan-trained
or bush-trained tree. A bush (goblet shape) is easier to prune and gives more fruit;
a fan is a little trickier to get right, but is more suitable for a narrow side border.
When it comes to choosing a variety, later croppers (fruiting July and August) are
usually sweeter than early ones (June and July). Look for a variety that boasts good
dieback resistance, but all apricots are resistant to peach leaf curl.
Well before it is due to arrive, prepare the planting spot. preferably this should
be on the north side of your tunnel to minimise the shading of other plants, but
remember that the eventual height of the tree will be around 2.4 metres (assum-
ing you use a dwarfing rootstock and prune for a compact bush). Apricots will
cope on any free-draining soil but ideally like deep, slightly alkaline loam, so
work lots of compost or leafmould into the soil to a depth of 45cm, along with a
handful of lime if needed. Plant according to the supplier's instructions, but
there is no need to provide a stake for a polytunnel-grown tree.
