How to grow Apricot in Australia

Give apricots full sun, shelter from wind, and free-draining soil, as they hate wet feet. Water regularly while fruit develops, then ease off.

At a glance

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	June to August
Northern Rivers NSW	June to August	Marginal. Only low chill selections such as Glengarry crop here, and best in the cooler hinterland. Wet springs bring brown rot.
Sydney & Coastal NSW	June to August	Marginal on the humid coast, where spring rain brings brown rot and chill is short. Better in western Sydney. Plant bare root Jun to Aug and choose a lower chill variety such as Glengarry or Story.
Melbourne & Victoria	June to August
Adelaide & SA	June to August
Perth & WA	June to August
Tasmania	June to August	Plant bare-root Jun to Aug. Excellent chill. Pick a sheltered site - late frost can nip early blossom inland.
Canberra & ACT	June to August	Excellent chill, but early blossom can be lost to spring frost in cold pockets. Choose later flowering types.
North Queensland	Not suited	Not viable. Needs winter chill and a cool dormant season; impossible on the tropical coast.
Darwin & Top End	Not suited	Not viable. Apricot has high chill needs. Impossible in the Top End.

Fruit is ready when fully coloured, slightly soft to gentle pressure and sweetly fragrant. Lift and twist gently so it releases into your hand.

Bench until ripe, then fridge for 3 to 5 days. Dry or freeze halved for months.