How to Grow Apricot in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing your own Apricot is one of the more satisfying things you can do in an Australian backyard. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$5-10/week in season, fresh apricots are expensive and season is short.
This guide covers when to plant Apricot in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Apricot is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Moorpark
The classic Australian apricot. Large, sweet, rich flavour. Mid-season. Needs moderate chill. The gold standard.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Trevatt
Australian heirloom. Smaller than Moorpark but intensely flavoured. Reliable cropper. Good for drying.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings
Story
Early season. Medium fruit, sweet flavour. Lower chill requirement. Good for warmer areas.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings
Position and Soil
Give Apricot full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+ (dwarf varieties), though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Apricot into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 400 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Plant bare-root in winter (June-August). Apricots need a dry spring to set fruit well, as wet conditions during flowering cause brown rot. Best in Adelaide, inland Victoria, Canberra and dry climates. Marginal in humid coastal areas and SEQ. Self-fertile (one tree is enough). Prune to an open vase shape. Spray copper at bud swell. Net against birds and fruit fly.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 10 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly, Queensland fruit fly, Birds and Borer. The main diseases to watch are Brown rot, Bacterial canker, Gummosis and Shot hole. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Apricot is typically ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Bench until ripe, then fridge for 3-5 days. Dry or freeze halved for months.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, apricot is good eaten fresh in season, made into apricot jam and preserves, dried for year-round snacking and baked into tarts, crumbles and pastries. Nutritionally: very high in beta-carotene and vitamin A and good source of vitamins C and E.
Companion Planting
Apricot grows well alongside Nasturtium, Garlic, Chives, Tansy and Comfrey. Keep it away from Tomato and Potato. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Apricot Growing
Add apricot to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Apricot in Australia?
Apricot is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Apricot take to grow?
Apricot is generally ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Apricot need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Apricot in the Plant Library
