Try small bundles of energy from your own harvest. We will show you how the apricot tree can thrive in your home garden: step by step from the kernel to the fruit. It's that easy.
How do I pull an apricot from a pit?
To grow an apricot from a kernel, clean the kernel immediately after consumption, plant it in loose, unfertilized soil and keep it constantly moist. It can take several months for the kernel to germinate and show the first green tips. After 3 to 5 years, the apricot can bear fruit.
Preparation
The longer you keep the apricot kernel, the more difficult it is to germinate. For this reason, it is used immediately after eating the sweet apricots. The core should be completely free of any remaining pulp.
Germinate kernel
Now there are different ways to germinate the woody apricot kernel in the soil. This only happens if enough water can penetrate inside. The almond-like seed is hidden there.
Method 1: Without pretreatment
Plant the core immediately in loose soil. Germination takes a little longer. Finally, the tender seedling has to crack the hard shell itself.
Method 2: With pretreatment
Use sandpaper (€15.00 on Amazon) (sandpaper) or a file to roughen the core before planting. This allows water to reach the seed more quickly. Germination is accelerated.
Method 3: Only seeds without core
To shorten the germination time, you can carefully open the kernel with a nutcracker. The first strong cotyledons develop within 10 to 14 days. Only the seeds are used. To make cracking easier, store the kernel in the refrigerator for about a week.
So that the tree grows
Now the core goes into the ground. Use a smaller flower pot. The use of cling film ensures constant moisture in the soil. Germination can take several months. Make sure that you open the foil regularly. This avoids rot.
Ideal potting soil:
- Mixture of earth and sand
- necessarily unfertilized
When the first green tips appear, the apricot feels very comfortable on the bright windowsill. However, avoid direct sunlight. In mild regions, even young trees feel very comfortable in the garden. Make sure you have enough frost protection. Rain and wind also have an unfavorable effect on development. With good care, the apricot begins to bear its own fruit after around 3 to 5 years.
Tips & Tricks
Let the core or alternatively just the seed soak in lukewarm water for 2 - 3 days. This way it germinates faster.