Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
tion being in the San Joaquin Valley. Washington produces about 6 percent
of U.S. commercial apricots, and Utah less than 1 percent of the total crop.
Canada imports more apricots than it exports, and it buys approximately 50
percent of U.S. apricot exports. The United States is also a major importer
of apricots. Most commercial apricot orchards in North America are family-
owned and about 50 to 60 acres in size, although there is a trend toward
fewer and larger apricot orchards.
Due to declining consumption and increased imports of inexpensive
apricots, some U.S. producers have moved away from apricots. According to
the University of California, 75 to 90 percent of U.S. apricots are used in
the processing market, but the consumption of canned apricots has declined
sharply. Consumption of fresh apricots in the United States has remained
relatively stable at about 0.2 pound per person per year, with consumption
of dried apricots increasing. Total apricot consumption in the United States
varies from about 0.9 to 1.6 pounds per person per year. The best opportun-
ities for new growers are local, direct sales.
Climate concerns.
The hardiest apricot varieties available in North America
tolerate temperatures between −20 and −30°F (−29 to −34°C) and are well
suited to USDA Zones 5 to 9, with a few varieties rated to Zones 3 and 4.
While apricots are usually somewhat more cold-hardy than the closely re-
lated peaches, they bloom earlier in the spring, making them highly suscept-
ible to frost injury. Over the past 20 years or so, U.S. commercial production
has fluctuated between about 55,000 and 155,000 tons annually, due to frost
injury and the tendency in some areas for the trees to bear fruit biennially
or triennially. Apricots are also susceptible to winter injury in areas where
winter temperatures fluctuate widely. Areas with warm, dry summers and
few spring frosts are best.
Planting, cultivating and harvesting.
Apricots do not tolerate wet feet, so
plant on deep, well-drained, light- to medium-textured soil that is neutral to
slightly acidic. Place the trees on slopes away from frost pockets.
