Apricot tree
Prunus armeniaca
Botanical family: Rosaceae
Prunus armeniaca, a Rosaceae from Central Asia, grown for its fragrant fruits. Its very early flowering, from February, exposes it to late-winter frosts that often destroy its flowers: the harvest depends on each year's weather. Sources: Tela Botanica, “Prunus armeniaca L.” (Coste's flora, under the name Armeniaca vulgaris; Baseflor); Plants For A Future, “Prunus armeniaca”.
Full sun, warm and sheltered
Well-drained, rather chalky; dislikes excess water and root asphyxiation
Moderate, drought-resistant once established
Hardy tree (~-20 °C), but early blossom very sensitive to late frosts
Overwinters in your zone
Most varieties are self-fertile (one alone suffices)
One plant is enough for a crop
Role in permaculture
A hardy, frugal stone-fruit tree, with an early pinkish-white flowering (March) that feeds bees early, but exposes it to frosts, the main hazard of its cultivation. Resistant to heat and drought, a good candidate for the orchards of a warming climate. To be placed in the most sheltered and least frost-prone corner of the garden.
Good companions
Attract pollinators and beneficial insects
Trap plants (variable effect, need watching)
Poor companions
Hosts of the same soil-borne disease: don't plant one after the other
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Apricots picked in high summer, from June to August depending on the variety.
Available: June, July, August.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Apricots » (rhs.org.uk/fruit/apricots/grow-your-own)
- Interfel, « Abricot : Présentation, disponibilité, conservation » (lesfruitsetlegumesfrais.com/fruits-legumes/fruits-a-noyaux/abricot)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
The kernel contained in the stone is bitter and contains amygdalin (cyanide), do not eat it (ANSES).
Family behaviour: Rosaceae
In general, Rosaceae are traditionally paired with garlic (reputed antifungal, an in-vitro effect against Venturia inaequalis but little demonstrated in the field), tansy and comfrey. This is the fruit family (strawberry, raspberry, apple, pear, cherry, plum, peach). Tansy is the emblematic companion of the apple tree guild.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun, warm and sheltered exposure.
- • Ideal soil: well-drained, rather chalky; dislikes excess water and root asphyxiation.
- • Classic companion: Borage.
- • Keep away from: Nightshades (Verticillium wilt).