Apricots

[pigletwillie]

I purchased 2 apricot trees from Aldi earlier in the year and have planted them in 25 litre barrels (not being sure of the rootstock). They are outside in a sheltered place at the moment but will be moved into my polytunnel once its cover is on.

When do you prune them and are they best outside after the frosts?

[smallblueplanet]

I like apricots - how big do they get (the trees not the apricots, although thats interesting!) and how long til they froot?

[pigletwillie]

I am not sure about their rootstock, hence putting them in barrels which should restrict them somewhat, well that and a pair of felco`s. As for fruiting, can anybody enlighten us.

[nick the grief]

I would guess that you would treat them the same as Peaches & Nectarines PW. but having never frown them I couldn't give a definate answer. Have you got the Fruit expert, i'm sure it says in there.

[Lesley Jay]

Apricots are in the Fruit Expert book but there is a difference in pruning times between fan trained or bush varieties. However they do need protecting from the frosts especially the blossom from late frosts.

[suee]

Hello piglet - our apricot tree (as mentioned in another message) is a miracle tree as it's root/graft is deeply buried by an excavation mound. However, it's in blossom now (with fruit just forming). Apricots are one of the earliest fruit trees to blossom and so are most susceptible to frost, so yes - definitely cover with fleece at this time of year. We pruned ours last October and it seems to be doing OK.
Sue.