When does which variety flower?

When does an apricot tree bloom?

An apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca) in bloom March to April. Before the leaves sprout, the white to pink bowl-shaped flowers with a diameter of about 2.5 cm appear. Thanks to their hermaphrodite flowers, most are apricots self-fertile. Depending on the apricot variety, a distinction is made between an early, mid-early and late flowering period:

• Early flowering 'Mombacher Frühaprikos' from mid-March to early April (earliest apricot blossom).
• Mid-early flowering apricot 'Ungarische Beste' from late March to mid-April (hardiest apricot variety).
• Late flowering apricot 'Bergeron' from mid-April to early May (latest apricot flowering time).

When does an apricot tree bloom for the first time?

A grafted apricot tree blooms for the first time after three to four years and as espalier fruit often in the second year. If the apricot comes from a cutting propagation, you can expect the first flowering period after four to five years. From a apricot kernel a grown apricot tree takes five to six years before the first blossoms unfold. Given an average lifespan 10 to 15 years, a grafted apricot from the nursery gives you the earliest flowering time and the greatest harvest.

Tip

Protect flowering apricot trees from frost

During the flowering period, the hardiness an apricot to its limits early on. In late frosts from – 3° Celsius, up to 90 percent of the apricot blossoms freeze to death. It is best to protect an apricot tree before frost with a fleece cover. A bulwark of reed mats protects the apricot tree on the trellis from frost damage. A blooming one tub apricot leave overnight in a frost-free, bright room.