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Patio Apricot

Last post 30-07-2012 5:15 PM by OrangePippin. 5 replies.

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  • 27/07/2012 08:36 PM
    • Phot's-Moll
    • The sunny South coast.
    • 06 Jan 2007
    • 4,550
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     We were given a 'patio' apricot tree (Prunus Armeniaca) as a wedding present. Ireally like apricots and don't have room for another big tree so this was a thoughtful gift. The only snag is that we go away a lot and I'm worried that a potted tree might dry out. I'm wondering if it might be better planted directly in the garden - or would it then grow huge? Currently it's a very small standard (about 2 ft high)

    Whether you think you can do a thing, or think you cannot, you are right.
  • 27/07/2012 08:59 PM
    In reply to
    • sue1002
    • Ipswich, Suffolk
    • 06 Sep 2005
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     I bought a 'patio' apricot tree a couple of months back Phot's which I planted into a 45cm pot.  The label did say it could be planted either in a pot or in the ground, I'll check the label tomorrow when it's stopped raining to see how big it grows to.  I went for the pot option as I don't have a south facing wall it could be planted against so I plan to move it into the greenhouse over winter to give it a bit of protection (along with the peach one in a pot too).

    sue1002
  • 27/07/2012 10:48 PM
    In reply to
    • Phot's-Moll
    • The sunny South coast.
    • 06 Jan 2007
    • 4,550
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     Thanks, Sue.

    I have a small space against a south facing wall that currently has pots stood on paving slabs. I could lift the slabs and plant it there, I think. That's if I can keep it small - I don't think apricots like being pruned?

    Whether you think you can do a thing, or think you cannot, you are right.
  • 28/07/2012 10:56 AM
    In reply to
    • sue1002
    • Ipswich, Suffolk
    • 06 Sep 2005
    • 9,472
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     It sounds like you have the ideal space for it Phot's if you remove one of the slabs and plant it in the hole.

    Reading off the label of my one which is 'Early Moorpark' it says "This tree has been grown on a dwarfing rootstock Prunus insititia making it ideal for the small gardens or 30 litre patio containers.  Up to 2m tall and 2m across in 5 years, plant trees 3m apart."

    In my fruit and veg book for pruning, they require very little pruning, just enough to shape them and to remove any dead stems and pruning is done in the summer to reduce the risk of silver leaf.

    sue1002
  • 28/07/2012 08:58 PM
    In reply to
    • Phot's-Moll
    • The sunny South coast.
    • 06 Jan 2007
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     Thanks, Sue. That's helpful.

    I'm sure mine will be on a dwarf rootstock too. 2m is quite small for a tree, but maybe still too big for the space I have in mind. Will have to think about it.

    Will Google this variety and see what I get - should have done that anyway I suppose!

    Whether you think you can do a thing, or think you cannot, you are right.
  • 30/07/2012 05:15 PM
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    It would be a good idea to try to find out what rootstock, as there are several used for Apricots, the main ones being Torinel and St. Julien A, which are both quite vigorous - although if yours is "patio" then it could be something else.

    If you go away a lot then planting in open ground is definitely a better idea. However without the restraint of a large container or planter it might reach a height and spread of 10ft-14ft etc.  Apricots are easy to grow, little or no pruning is required, but they need sunshine to produce decent crops.

    www.orangepippintrees.co.uk