| In the ten or so years that I have had a semi-dwarf apricot tree in my yard, I have had very few blooms, obviously meaning no fruit. The tree is planted on a slight south facing slope with full sun through out the day. In hopes of getting some blooms, the tree has not been pruned in 2 or 3 years. Short of removing the tree and trying something else, any ideas. Thanks for your assistance. |
| Apricot trees are sensitive to climatic conditions and require the best possible growing sites to remain healthy and regularly productive. Apricots develop flower buds in very early spring. It is important that the trees not experience cold temperatures which can damage or kill flower buds. Is your tree planted in a frost-free area? Perhaps it's in an area that's slow to warm in the spring. Cold-pockets (micro-climates) can occur in most any landscape. This, too, can affect flowering and fruit production. Apricots are also sensitive to poorly draining soils. Even though yours is planted on a slope where good drainage is anticipated, if the soil is heavy (clay) rather than sandy, it could affect the health of the tree and its ability to produce fruit. Finally, don't fertilize your tree. Excessive nitrogen will result in green growth at the expense of flower and fruit production. After considering the above, you may want to move your tree to a different location - one protected from frost, with a sandy-loam soil. Hope this information helps you determine the cause of non-blooming in your tree! |
