Apricot trees are demanding. Most owners are aware of this from the start. And although the living conditions offered are far from ideal, the tree is often cultivated. The disappointment is great when the expected return does not materialize. Can anything else help?
Why doesn't my apricot tree bear fruit?
If an apricot tree does not bear, there may be reasons such as underage, incorrect pruning, frozen flowers or pollination problems. Prioritize gentle pruning, frost protection measures, and additional pollinator plants to improve yield.
Young tree does not bear
Yes, the impatience can be great. As soon as the tree has arrived in the garden, you would like to harvest delicious apricots in the first summer. But an apricot tree bears fruit from around its fourth year.
Tree doesn't bloom
A primary focus on growth leaves no energy left for blooms. Strong growth, especially at the beginning, can be natural for some varieties so that they can form a good crown first.
But people can also cause the tree to grow like crazy with their actions:
- the tree was cut too hard
- he reacts with wild growth
- Tree was fertilized excessively
- he is bursting with vitality
- therefore “still” foregoing offspring
Tip
Compared to other fruit trees, the apricot tree requires much less pruning. However, many gardeners cut too much out of habit. It's better to be more cautious when using scissors.
No fruits despite blossom
It often happens that the tree blooms beautifully and yet there is nothing to harvest in the summer. In the case of the apricot tree, this is usually because the blossom has frozen. The tree is hardy, but its flowers do not like temperatures around freezing point, even in the short term.
Another reason would be pollination. Even if the variety was sold as self-fertile. Another variety in the neighborhood ensures or increases the yield.
Premature fruit shedding
If the living conditions or weather are not ideal after fertilization, the tree makes the decision that it cannot support its fruit. It causes some or even all of the fruit to fall to the ground prematurely.
Make a tree bloom
Here are a few tips that have been successfully used by other apricot tree owners. There is no guarantee of effectiveness. But if the need is great, they are worth a try.
- Shorten the roots considerably or cut them with a spade
- the preservation instinct is activated
- the tree blooms and produces fruit
- loop the wire around the trunk and tighten it
- “choking” him carefully for a few weeks
- the resulting sap stasis should lead to flowering
Protect flowers from frost
Shade the tree in spring to delay flowering. When late frosts are announced, it is helpful to wrap the branches with plenty of fleece (€49.00 on Amazon). Last but not least, a protected location is crucial.
