How Big Does An Apricot Tree Get? A Complete Guide to Mature Apricot Tree Size

Apricots are one of the most delicious stone fruits that can be grown in home gardens. Their sweet, juicy flavor is hard to beat when picked fresh off the tree. But before planting an apricot tree, it’s important to understand how big they can get. Their mature size can impact where you locate it and how you prune and care for it.

In this complete guide, we will dive into everything you need to know about apricot tree sizes. We’ll look at the factors that control their growth, the sizes you can expect for dwarf, semi-dwarf, and standard trees, and how to choose the right size tree for your needs.

What Determines the Size of Apricot Trees

There are two main factors that control the mature size of apricot trees:

Genetics

Apricot tree varieties are naturally predisposed to growing to certain sizes For example, the variety ‘Garden Aprigold’ is a genetic dwarf that will stay compact even on a vigorous rootstock While the variety ‘Moorpark’ is an industry standard, naturally growing quite large.

So genetics sets the baseline potential tree size. which is then modified further by

Rootstock Selection

All apricot trees are grafted onto rootstocks that control their vigor and size. Apricot trees on dwarfing rootstocks like ‘Torinel’ or ‘Krymsk 86’ will remain much smaller than those on invigorating rootstocks like ‘St Julian A’.

By selecting compact varieties grafted on dwarfing rootstocks, you can ensure a diminutive tree even in a small garden. While large varieties on vigorous rootstocks are best for orchard-like settings.

Dwarf Apricot Tree Size

Dwarf apricot trees are ideal if you need a compact fruit tree. They mature to just 8-10 feet tall and wide.

Although small in stature, dwarf apricot trees produce full-sized, standard apricots. With their compact form, dwarf trees are easy to net and harvest. Their size also means you can grow them in containers on a patio or plant them in a small backyard.

Some excellent dwarf apricot varieties to look for include:

• ‘Garden Aprigold’ – A true genetic dwarf variety that naturally stays under 8 feet tall It’s self-fertile and bears sweet, golden apricots in mid summer.

• ‘Puget Gold’ – A semi-dwarf variety growing to 10 feet. Its fruit is sweet and tangy with orange skin.

• ‘Goldkist’ – Another semi-dwarf reaching 10 feet tall. It produces large, firm, golden orange fruit.

When buying a dwarf apricot, check that it is grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock like ‘Torinel’ or ‘Krymsk 86’. This will ensure it stays petite.

Semi-Dwarf Apricot Tree Size

Semi-dwarf apricot trees are a medium-sized option, growing 12-15 feet tall and wide. Though not as compact as true dwarf varieties, they are still suited to many residential gardens.

Semi-dwarf apricots are large enough to provide some shade and ornamental value, while still being small enough to harvest and maintain with ease.

Some top picks for semi-dwarf apricot trees include:

• ‘Harcot’ – A self-fertile semi-dwarf variety that produces sweet, juicy, orange apricots in mid summer.

• ‘Goldrich’ – This semi-dwarf tree bears large, firm, sweet apricots with a deep orange skin. It has good disease resistance.

• ‘Katy’ – An excellent semi-dwarf variety for colder climates. It yields sweet reddish-orange fruit in late summer.

For semi-dwarf sizes, look for trees grafted on ‘Torinel’ or ‘Krymsk 86’ rootstocks.

Standard Apricot Tree Size

Standard apricot trees make up the largest size category, growing up to 20-25 feet tall and wide at maturity. Their expansive canopies provide ample shade, making them ideal for multi-purpose use as both fruiting and shade trees.

With their large size, standard apricot trees work best on larger properties where they have plenty of room to spread. They can also be used to create an orchard-like planting along a fence line.

Some of the best varieties for standard apricot trees include:

• ‘Moorpark’ – Extremely vigorous tree that bears medium to large apricots with exceptional flavor. It can reach 25 feet tall.

• ‘Blenheim’ – A heavy producing variety that bears sweet, juicy apricots. Grows 20 feet tall.

• ‘Tilton’ – Large, firm, and flavorful apricots. The tree can reach 20 feet.

For standard trees, look for those grafted onto ‘St. Julian A’ rootstock. This will allow them to achieve their full large size.

Choosing the Best Apricot Tree Size

When selecting an apricot tree, your available planting space is the most important factor in determining size. Dwarf varieties in containers are great for patios and tiny yards. Sem-dwarfs work for small to mid-sized gardens. While standard apricot trees are best reserved for larger properties.

If possible, choose the smallest tree that will fit your garden situation. Compact dwarf trees produce abundantly but are easier to manage long-term. With the right variety and rootstock combination, you can enjoy apricots perfectly sized for your landscape.

Caring for Apricot Trees Based on Size

The mature size of your apricot tree will impact some care and maintenance factors:

• Pruning – Larger trees will require more extensive pruning to maintain their shape and keep the canopy open.

• Harvesting – Dwarf trees are easier to harvest than tall standards. You may need a ladder for larger trees.

• Fertilizing – Standard trees have higher nutrient needs than dwarfs.

• Watering – Larger trees demand more water than smaller ones, especially while establishing.

So whenever practical, opt for the smallest tree suited to your climate and space. This will simplify care over the long run.

Planting Location Considerations

In addition to selecting the right tree size, proper planting location is key to the health and productivity of apricot trees. Here are some location tips:

• Sun Exposure – Apricots require full sun. Choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily.

• Soil – Well-drained but moisture retentive soil enriched with compost is ideal. Avoid overly sandy or heavy clay soils.

• Shelter – Some protection from strong winds will prevent damage to trees and developing fruits.

• Chill Hours – Match the variety to your climate’s winter chill hours for optimal growth and fruiting.

• Spacing – Allow adequate spacing for air circulation and growth. See size guidelines above.

With the right variety, rootstock, and planting location your apricot tree is sure to thrive and reward you with abundant harvests for years to come. Enjoy those sweet homegrown apricots!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apricot Tree Size

How tall can an apricot tree grow?

Apricot trees can reach 20-30 feet in height at maturity depending on the variety. Dwarf trees may only reach 8-10 feet tall.

How wide can apricot trees get?

The width or spread of apricot trees ranges from 10-25 feet depending on variety and rootstock. Dwarf varieties may only reach 8-10 feet wide.

How fast do apricot trees grow each year?

On average, apricot trees grow 1-2 feet per year. Growth rate depends on variety, age, rootstock, and growing conditions. Trees grow most rapidly when young.

Do apricot trees work in small yards?

Yes, dwarf apricot varieties grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks are well-suited to planting in small garden spaces and containers.

How far apart should apricot trees be planted?

Standard apricot trees should be spaced 20-25 feet apart. Dwarf varieties can be spaced 10-15 feet apart. Close spacing is possible with fan training.

Are apricot trees self-pollinating?

Most apricot varieties are self-fertile so you only need one tree for fruit production. But planting two varieties helps increase pollination and yields.