Can Apricot Trees Grow in NH - Planting in New Hampshire

Can Apricot Trees Grow in NH? Planting in New Hampshire

It’s natural to wonder, can apricot trees grow in NH, given the state’s challenging climate. Yes, apricot trees can grow in New Hampshire, but they need some extra care because of the cold winters.

With the right steps, like picking the best location and protecting your tree from frost, you can enjoy homegrown apricots even in a colder climate.

Keep reading to learn easy tips for growing healthy apricot trees and making them thrive!

Key Points

  • Yes, apricot trees can grow in NH if you take proper care of them.
  • Choose a sunny spot for your tree with well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
  • Water deeply and regularly, especially when the tree is young, to encourage strong root growth.
  • Prune your tree every year to keep it healthy and producing good fruit.
  • Pick cold-hardy apricot varieties like Moorpark to withstand New Hampshire’s winters.
  • Be patient—apricot trees take a few years to bear fruit.

Can Apricot Trees Grow in NH? (All the Details)

Can Apricot Trees Grow in NH

Yes, apricot trees can grow in New Hampshire, but it’s not always easy. The cold winters and late spring frosts make it tricky. Remember that most apricot tree varieties bloom early in the spring. But if there’s a frost after they bloom, it can stop them from producing fruit that year.

However, if you choose the right type of apricot tree, like ones that can handle cold weather, and plant them in a sunny spot, they can survive and grow. It might not give you fruit every year, but with good care, apricots can grow in NH.

You just need to be careful and prepared for the weather to not always cooperate.

Can apricot trees grow in NH from seed?

Yes, you can grow apricot trees from seed in New Hampshire, but it takes a lot of time. First, you need seeds from a cold-hardy apricot variety.

These seeds need to go through a cold period, called stratification, which means keeping them in the fridge for a few months before planting. This helps them sprout.

Once you plant the seed, the tree will grow, but it might take 5 to 10 years before it starts giving fruit. Also, the young tree will need extra protection from the cold. Growing apricots from seed in NH is possible, but it’s slow, and you’ll need patience.

What are the best apricot tree varieties for New Hampshire?

If you want apricot trees in New Hampshire, choosing cold-tolerant varieties is important. Here are the best ones:

VarietyHardiness ZoneSpecial Features
MoorparkZone 4Large fruit, rich flavor
HarglowZone 5Cold-hardy, disease-resistant
GoldcotZone 4Cold-tolerant, late blooming
MontroseZone 5Cold-hardy, reliable producer

Moorpark Apricot – Hardy to Zone 4

Moorpark apricot trees can withstand the colder temperatures of Zone 4, which covers parts of New Hampshire. They produce large, sweet fruit and are great for fresh eating. This variety can survive the harsh winter and has a better chance of thriving in the state’s climate.

It is one of the most cold-hardy apricot trees, making it a top choice for NH.

Harglow Apricot – Hardy to Zone 5

Harglow apricots are another good option because they are hardy to Zone 5. What is this? It means they can handle cold winters. This variety blooms a little later than others, which helps protect the blossoms from late frosts. It produces medium-sized fruit that’s perfect for jams or eating fresh.

Even though NH can be colder than Zone 5, Harglow trees can survive if you plant them in a well-protected spot.

Goldcot Apricot – Known for Cold Tolerance

The Goldcot apricot is famous for its ability to handle cold climates. It blooms later than many apricots, reducing the risk of frost damage to the flowers. Goldcot trees also produce a reliable crop of flavorful apricots, making them a favorite for cold areas like New Hampshire.

If you’re looking for a tree with great frost resistance, Goldcot is a solid choice.

If you’re growing fruit trees like apricots, understanding how to fix peach tree droop might help you keep your garden thriving.

How to Grow Apricot Trees in NH? (Simple Steps)

Apricot trees can grow well in New Hampshire if you take the right steps. Choose a sunny, frost-protected location with well-drained soil. Prepare the soil carefully, plant at the right time, and water and prune regularly to keep the tree healthy.

With care, apricots can thrive even in New Hampshire’s cooler climate.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The first step is to pick the best place for your apricot tree. Apricots need a lot of sunlight. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day. If they don’t get enough sun, the tree won’t grow properly. Also, it might not give you any fruit.

So, find a sunny spot in your yard where the tree can soak up the sunlight.

The next thing to think about is the soil. Apricot trees need soil that drains well. This means water needs to flow out of the soil instead of sitting around the tree’s roots. If the roots stay in water for too long, they will rot.

Rotting roots will kill the tree. Sandy or loamy soil is best because water can pass through it easily. If you have heavy clay soil, you’ll need to fix it.

Now, let’s talk about frost. New Hampshire can have cold weather, especially in the spring. Apricot trees bloom early in spring, and late frosts can kill the blossoms. No blossoms mean no fruit that year.

To protect your tree, plant it on a slope or near a building. A slope lets cold air move away from the tree, and a building can block the cold wind and keep the tree a bit warmer. This is really important in New Hampshire, where frosts can be unexpected.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Once you have the right location, it’s time to get the soil ready. Apricot trees like soil that has a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. This is slightly acidic to neutral soil.

If you don’t know the pH of your soil, you can get a test kit from a garden store or send a sample to your local extension office.

In addition to the pH, apricot trees need rich soil. This means the soil should have plenty of nutrients. To make your soil better, mix in some organic matter. Compost or aged manure works well. These materials will give your tree the nutrients it needs to grow strong.

You also want to make sure the area is clear of weeds and rocks before planting. Weeds will compete with your tree for water and nutrients, and rocks can get in the way of the roots.

Step 3: Planting Time

The best time to plant apricot trees in New Hampshire is early spring. This is after the last frost, but before the tree starts growing new leaves. This is important because the tree is still dormant, which means it’s not using energy to grow leaves or flowers yet.

When you plant during this time, the tree can focus on growing strong roots.

If you’re planting a bare-root tree (a tree that has no soil around its roots), it’s important to plant it as soon as the ground is workable in the spring. Bare-root trees are very sensitive, and their roots can dry out if they’re not planted quickly.

If you’re planting a tree that came in a container, you have more time. You can plant these trees later in the spring or even in early summer, but early spring is still the best time.

Important Point: When you dig a hole for your apricot tree, make it twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and about as deep.

When placing the tree in the hole, make sure the graft union (the spot where the tree was grafted onto the rootstock) is a few inches above the soil line. This helps keep the graft safe from rotting.

Step 4: Planting the Tree

Now that you have your hole ready, it’s time to plant the tree. Place the tree in the hole carefully. Make sure the roots are spread out, and the tree is standing straight. The graft union should still be a few inches above the soil line. This is important to keep the tree healthy.

Once the tree is in place, start filling the hole back up with soil. As you fill it, press the soil down gently. This will remove any air pockets.

Air pockets can dry out the roots, which can hurt the tree. You want the roots to have good contact with the soil so they can take in water and nutrients.

Step 5: Watering

Watering is one of the most important parts of caring for your apricot tree. In the first year, the tree needs deep watering once a week. Deep watering means you should water enough so the water reaches the deep roots.

Shallow watering isn’t helpful because it only wets the top layer of soil. This can cause the tree to grow shallow roots, which aren’t as strong.

As the tree gets older, it won’t need as much water. But it’s still important to water deeply during dry periods. Mature apricot trees are more drought-tolerant, but they’ll produce more fruit if they get regular deep watering.

Be careful not to overwater. If the soil stays wet for too long, the roots can rot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. It’s all about balance.

Step 6: Fertilization

In the first year after planting, you don’t need to fertilize the tree. Let it focus on growing strong roots instead of growing too many leaves or branches. Fertilizing too early can actually weaken the tree by encouraging too much top growth.

After the first year, you can start fertilizing in early spring, right before the tree starts growing again. A balanced fertilizer is a good choice. For young trees, use about half a pound of fertilizer. As the tree grows older and bigger, you can increase the amount.

If you prefer using organic materials, compost or aged manure works well.

Step 7: Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your apricot tree healthy. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the tree starts to grow. Pruning while the tree is dormant makes it easier for the tree to heal and grow strong.

How to Grow Apricot Trees in NH

When pruning, focus on shaping the tree. Apricot trees grow best when they have an open center or vase shape.

Do this:

  1. Start by clipping off any dead or diseased branches.
  2. Next, remove any tree branches that are growing inward or crossing over other branches. This will keep the tree from getting too crowded. Crowded branches can block sunlight and make it harder for the tree to grow fruit.

Pruning also helps the tree focus its energy. If there are too many branches, the tree will produce a lot of small fruit. By removing some of the branches, you encourage the tree to grow bigger, healthier fruit.

Step 8: Pollination

Most apricot varieties are self-pollinating, which means they don’t need another tree to produce fruit. However, planting a second apricot tree can increase the amount of fruit you get.

If you have space for two trees, it’s a good idea to plant them close to each other to encourage cross-pollination.

Bees and other pollinators are essential for apricot trees. To attract more pollinators, plant flowering plants nearby. Flowers that bloom at the same time as your apricot tree will help bring in bees and increase your chances of a good harvest.

Step 9: Protect from Winter and Frost

Winter can be tough on apricot trees in New Hampshire, especially during late spring frosts. To protect your tree, cover it with a frost cloth or blanket during cold snaps. This helps keep the blossoms safe from frost damage.

The trunk of the tree needs protection, too. In the winter, wrap the trunk with burlap or tree wrap to prevent damage from freezing and thawing. This helps keep the tree healthy and prevents sunscald, which can occur when the tree heats up in the sun during the day and then freezes at night.

Step 10: Pest and Disease Management

Apricot trees can be affected by pests like aphids and borers. If you notice these pests on your tree, you can use horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to manage them. These treatments are safe for the tree and won’t harm beneficial insects like bees.

Fungal diseases are another problem for apricots. Common diseases include:

  • Brown rot
  • Bacterial canker
  • Powdery mildew.

To prevent these, make sure your tree has good air circulation by pruning regularly. You can also apply a copper fungicide in early spring to protect the tree from disease.

Keep the area around the tree clear of fallen fruit and debris, as this can attract pests and disease.

Step 11: Harvesting

Apricots are usually ready to harvest in mid to late summer, depending on the variety. You’ll know the fruit is ready when it’s firm but slightly soft. Furthermore, the color should be bright and even, without any green spots.

When picking apricots, be gentle. Twist the fruit off the tree carefully to avoid damaging the tree or other fruits. If the fruit doesn’t come off easily, it might need a little more time to ripen.

Step 12: Patience

Growing apricots in New Hampshire takes patience. Most trees won’t start producing fruit until they are 3 to 4 years old, and even then, the first few harvests might be small. It’s important to thin the fruit in the first few years to encourage the tree to produce bigger, healthier apricots.

With these steps, you can successfully grow apricot trees in New Hampshire and enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit.

If you’re interested in expanding your fruit garden, this guide to growing guava in Zone 8b will show you how to do it effortlessly.

When do apricot trees fruit in New Hampshire?

Apricot trees usually take 3 to 4 years to bear fruit in New Hampshire. The tree needs this time to grow strong and mature enough to produce healthy fruit. Some factors, like the tree variety, care, and weather, can affect how quickly the tree starts producing.

Apricot Tree Maturity

Apricot trees don’t grow fruit right away. In the first few years, the tree focuses on growing strong roots, branches, and leaves. This is important because a healthy tree will produce more fruit in the long run.

After 3 or 4 years, the tree is mature enough to start producing apricots. This is when you’ll start seeing small fruits forming on the branches.

If you plant a tree from a nursery, it might bear fruit a little sooner because these trees are usually a couple of years old when you buy them. But if you plant an apricot tree from seed, it might take even longer—up to 6 years before you get your first apricots.

Even after your tree starts bearing fruit, don’t expect a huge harvest right away. The first few years of fruit production might be small. The tree needs time to adjust and figure out how to make the best fruit possible.

Tree Variety and Climate

The type of apricot tree you plant also plays a role in how long it takes to bear fruit. Some varieties are known to produce fruit a little faster than others.

For example, the Moorpark and Harglow apricot trees are popular in colder areas like New Hampshire because they can handle cold winters better. These trees might start fruiting sooner than varieties that aren’t as cold-hardy.

Also, note that a late frost might stop the tree from producing any apricots that year. This is something you need to watch out for in New Hampshire.

To help your apricot tree produce fruit as soon as possible, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight, water, and nutrients. With the right care, your tree will be ready to give you delicious apricots in a few years.

Care and Maintenance

The way you care for your apricot tree also affects how soon it bears fruit. Apricot trees need regular pruning, watering, and feeding to grow healthy and strong. If you don’t take care of your tree properly, it might take longer to start producing fruit.

Pruning helps the tree grow in the right shape, allowing sunlight and air to reach all parts of the tree. This will have two benefits:

  • Reduced the risk of diseases
  • Help the tree produce better fruit.

Watering correctly is also important. The tree needs deep watering to encourage strong root growth.

Moreover, fertilizing your tree with the right nutrients helps it grow faster and stronger, which can lead to earlier fruit production.

Taking good care of your tree from the start means it will be healthier and more likely to give you a good harvest sooner. So, be patient, but make sure you’re giving your tree everything it needs to grow well.

Here’s a full video on apricot growing:

Best Fruit Trees to Grow in New Hampshire

The best fruit trees to grow in New Hampshire are apples, pears, and plums. These trees are hardy enough to survive the state’s cold winters. They also produce delicious fruit, making them a great choice for gardeners.

Fruit TreeHardiness ZoneNotes
AppleZones 3–6Many cold-hardy varieties available
PearZones 4–6Resistant to cold and fire blight
PlumZones 3–6Hardy varieties like American plum
Cherry (Tart)Zones 4–6Sour varieties handle cold well
Peach (Cold-Hardy)Zones 4–6Requires frost protection
ApricotZones 4–6Early blooming, frost-sensitive

Apple Trees

Apple tree - Best Fruit Trees to Grow in New Hampshire

Apple trees are one of the best for New Hampshire. They are cold-hardy and can handle the state’s freezing winters. Popular varieties to grow in NH are:

  • Honeycrisp
  • McIntosh
  • Cortland.

Apple trees are also fairly easy to take care of. They need a lot of sunlight, so it’s important to plant them in a sunny spot in your yard.

Like other fruit trees, they also need well-drained soil. Water them regularly, especially in the first few years while they are getting established. Pruning apple trees every year helps them stay healthy and produce better fruit.

In addition to being a great fruit for eating, apples store well. You can keep them in a cool place for weeks or even months after harvesting, which is a big bonus in a place like New Hampshire, where the growing season is short.

Pear Trees

pear tree - Best Fruit Trees to Grow in New Hampshire

Pear trees are another good option for New Hampshire gardeners. They can handle the cold winters and do well in areas with cooler temperatures. Varieties like Bartlett, Bosc, and Anjou are popular choices.

Pear trees are also known for producing delicious, juicy fruit that’s perfect for eating fresh, canning, or cooking.

Like apples, pears can be stored for a long time after they are picked. This makes them a practical choice for home gardeners who want to enjoy fresh fruit long after the growing season is over.

One thing to keep in mind is that pear trees often need another pear tree nearby for cross-pollination. This means you might need to plant two trees if you want a good harvest. But the effort is worth it because pear trees are reliable producers once they start fruiting.

Plum Trees

plum tree - Best Fruit Trees to Grow in New Hampshire

Plum trees are a great choice if you want a fruit tree that can handle New Hampshire’s cold weather. Varieties like Stanley and Damson are hardy and produce sweet, juicy plums. Plums are great for eating fresh, making jams, or using in baking.

Plum trees are a little different from apples and pears because they don’t need as much pruning.

However, they still need some attention to keep them healthy. Like other fruit trees, they need full sun and well-drained soil. Watering regularly during dry periods is also important, especially for young trees.

Plum trees can be self-pollinating or need a pollinator. If you plant a variety that needs cross-pollination, you’ll need to have another plum tree nearby.

Plum trees can be a little more sensitive to late frosts than apple or pear trees, but with the right care, they can thrive and produce delicious fruit.

Plums don’t store as long as apples or pears, so it’s best to use them soon after picking. However, they are perfect for canning or making into sauces, which helps you enjoy them even after the fresh fruit is gone.

Cherry Trees

cherry tree - Best Fruit Trees to Grow in New Hampshire

Cherry trees are a fantastic addition to a New Hampshire garden. Hardy varieties like Montmorency (for tart cherries) and Stella or Black Gold (for sweet cherries) can survive the cold winters and produce delicious cherries.

Tart cherries are great for baking pies and making jams, while sweet cherries are perfect for eating fresh.

Cherry trees need a sunny spot with well-drained soil to thrive. They are a bit more sensitive to weather than some other fruit trees, but with the right care, they can do well in New Hampshire. Like the other fruit trees, regular watering is important, especially when the tree is young.

Once the tree is established, it will need less frequent watering, but deep watering during dry periods is still helpful.

Some cherry trees are self-pollinating, like Stella and Black Gold, but others need a pollinator. Tart cherries, like Montmorency, usually need a second cherry tree nearby for cross-pollination. 

That’s all.

If you’re planning your garden, don’t miss this guide on the best time to plant poppies for vibrant blooms in San Francisco.

Conclusion

Growing apricots in New Hampshire is not only possible, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. The key takeaways are:

  • Plant apricot trees in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  • Protect your apricot tree from frost by using covers or planting in a protected area.
  • Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first few years.
  • Prune annually to keep the tree healthy and promote good fruit growth.
  • Pick cold-hardy varieties like Moorpark for the best chance of success.

With the right care, your apricot tree will grow strong and reward you with delicious fruit year after year.

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