When does the apricot tree bear fruit?

Apricot trees typically begin to bear fruit between their third and fourth year, with full, reliable harvests developing as the tree matures and strengthens. Blooming early in spring, apricots set fruit once their delicate pink-white blossoms are successfully pollinated, and the developing apricots ripen from late spring to mid-summer, depending on the variety and climate.

In warmer regions, such as the mid and southern states, fruiting can begin earlier, while cooler areas may delay the harvest slightly. Consistent sunlight, well-drained soil, and protection from late frost greatly influence how quickly and abundantly an apricot tree produces fruit. Therefore, proper apricot tree care is essential for healthy produce.

Apricot Tree Characteristics

Apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca) are deciduous fruit trees distinguished by their deep green, sharply serrated leaves with pointed tips and reddish stems. They showcase soft pink blossoms in spring and flourish best in climates with cool winters and warm, dry summers.

In early spring, before the leaves unfurl, the tree bursts into a cloud of delicate pink-white flowers—one of the earliest fruit trees to bloom. These blossoms not only signal the start of the growing season but also attract pollinators essential for fruit production.

The leaves of the apricot tree are heart-shaped, finely serrated, and bright green, turning a warm yellow in autumn before dropping. The fruit itself is small, velvety, and ranges in color from pale yellow to deep orange, often blushed with red on the sun-exposed side.

With a soft, juicy flesh and a single central pit, apricots are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. Their early-season growth, attractive appearance, and delicious harvest make apricot trees a favorite among home gardeners and orchard enthusiasts.

Answers to Essential Questions About the Apricot Tree

Apricots, whether eaten fresh, dried, or grown in the home garden, come with many common questions from curious gardeners and fruit lovers.

Below are clear, expert, and easy-to-understand answers to 15 important questions about apricots, their uses, health benefits, and growth habits.

1. Are dried apricots good for you?

Yes, dried apricots are perfect for you because they are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, iron, and antioxidants that support digestion, heart health, and overall wellness.

Since the water is removed, dried apricots are more nutrient-dense than fresh ones, making them a convenient way to boost your intake of vitamins A and E. However, because the sugars become more concentrated during drying, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation, especially for those monitoring blood sugar levels.

Choosing unsweetened varieties helps keep them a wholesome and health-friendly snack.

2. Can dogs eat apricots?

Dogs can eat small amounts of fresh apricot flesh, but NOT the pit, leaves, and stem, because they contain cyanogenic compounds that are toxic to pets.

When feeding apricots to a dog, always remove the pit, cut the fruit into tiny pieces, and introduce it slowly to watch for digestive issues. Apricots should only be offered as an occasional treat due to their natural sugar content.

If your dog ingests an apricot pit or shows signs of illness, contact a veterinarian immediately.

3. Can apricots ripen off the tree/ do apricots ripen off the tree?

Apricots can ripen slightly after being picked, but they do not develop significant additional sweetness the way peaches or bananas do.

Once harvested, they soften and improve a bit in flavor, especially if they were picked when they were already showing some color and slight give. To help them ripen more evenly, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two.

However, for the best taste and full sugar development, apricots should ideally be allowed to ripen naturally on the tree as long as possible.

4. Can you freeze apricots?

Yes, you can freeze apricots, and it’s one of the best ways to preserve their flavor and nutrients for long-term use. To freeze them properly, wash, halve, and pit the fruit, then treat the slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.

You can freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to airtight bags, or pack them in syrup for softer results.

Frozen apricots work beautifully in smoothies, baking, sauces, and jams long after fresh apricots are out of season.

5. Can dried apricots go bad?

Dried apricots can go bad over time, especially if exposed to moisture, heat, or air. When stored in a cool, airtight container, they can last for several months to a year, but they may eventually develop mold, an off smell, discoloration, or a hard, overly dry texture.

Proper storage prevents spoilage and helps preserve quality. If you notice any unusual appearance or odor, it’s best to discard them to avoid foodborne illness.

6. How do you ripen apricots?

To ripen apricots at home, place them at room temperature in a dry, shaded area until they soften slightly and release a sweet aroma. If you want to speed up the process, put them in a paper bag with a ripe apple or banana, which releases ethylene gas and helps the apricots soften faster.

Avoid refrigerating them before ripening because cold temperatures slow the process. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for a few extra days.

7. How do you dry apricots?

Drying apricots involves removing their moisture slowly to preserve their sweetness and shelf life. Start by washing, halving, and pitting the fruits, then dipping them in lemon water to prevent browning.

Spread them cut-side up on drying trays and place them in direct sunlight, a dehydrator, or a low-temperature oven. Depending on the method, the process may take several hours to a couple of days until the apricots become leathery, soft, and evenly dried.

Proper drying ensures they remain flavorful and safe to store long-term.

8. How do you dehydrate apricots?

To dehydrate apricots, use an electric dehydrator for consistent, controlled results. After washing, halving, and pitting them, treat the fruits with lemon juice to maintain color, then arrange them cut-side up on dehydrator trays with space for airflow.

Set the temperature to around 135°F (57°C) and dry the apricots for 10 to 16 hours, checking periodically until they attain a soft, pliable texture.

Once finished, let them cool completely and store them in airtight containers to prevent condensation and spoilage.

9. How do you make dried apricots?

Making dried apricots is simply the process of removing water from fresh apricots to create a chewy, sweet, long-lasting fruit snack. Prepare the apricots by washing and halving them, then treat them with lemon water to keep their bright color.

Next, choose your drying method. Some of the common techniques include sun-drying, using a dehydrator, or baking them at low heat. As they dry, the flavor concentrates, resulting in a nutrient-dense snack that can be stored for months.

The key is ensuring they are fully dry but still slightly flexible to prevent mold.

10. How do you dry apricots in the oven?

Start by halving and pitting the fruit, then dip the pieces in lemon water to prevent browning.

Place the halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet and set your oven to its lowest temperature, ideally between 140°F and 170°F (60°C–75°C). Prop the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape, and dry the fruit for six to twelve hours, turning occasionally, until the texture becomes soft and leathery.

Allow them to cool fully before storing in airtight containers.

11. How many apricot kernels should I eat a day?

Apricot kernels should be consumed with extreme caution because they contain amygdalin, a compound that can convert into cyanide in the body.

Health authorities generally advise avoiding raw apricot kernels entirely due to the risk of cyanide poisoning, especially in large quantities.

Some people consume small amounts of bitter apricot kernels as supplements, but safety guidelines typically limit intake to no more than one or two kernels per day—if any at all—and only under professional guidance.

When in doubt, it’s best to avoid them and choose safer sources of nutrients.

12. How long does it take for an apricot tree to bear fruit?

An apricot tree usually begins to bear fruit between its third and fourth year after planting, depending on the variety, climate, and growing conditions.

Dwarf varieties may fruit slightly earlier, while trees planted from seed often take much longer to mature.

Optimal sunlight, proper pruning, well-drained soil, and protection from late frost are key factors that influence how quickly a young apricot tree becomes productive.

Once established, the tree will produce increasingly larger harvests each season as it matures.

13. How long does it take for an apricot seed to sprout?

Apricot seeds typically take 4 to 6 weeks to sprout after undergoing a cold stratification period, which is essential for breaking dormancy.

To start the process, the seed must be cleaned, dried, and placed in a moist medium such as sand, peat, or paper towels inside the refrigerator for several weeks. Once planted in warm soil, the seedling will emerge if moisture, warmth, and light conditions are suitable.

Sprouting is not always guaranteed, but proper stratification significantly increases germination.

14. How long does an apricot tree take to grow?

An apricot tree takes several years to reach its full size, typically maturing between five and ten years, depending on the variety and growing environment.

During the first few years, the tree focuses on root development and structural growth before producing heavy crops. With proper care—regular watering, pruning, fertilization (you can buy this fertilizer from Amazon), and frost protection—the tree gradually grows into a rounded, productive fruit tree that provides shade, flowers, and annual harvests.

Although growth is gradual, the reward is a long-lived tree that can thrive for decades.

15. What color goes with apricot?

Apricot pairs beautifully with a range of colors thanks to its warm, soft, peachy-orange tone. It complements neutrals like cream, beige, and warm gray, creating a calming and elegant palette.

For a bolder combination, apricot works wonderfully with teal, navy, olive green, or soft sage, balancing warm and cool tones. It also blends seamlessly with other warm hues such as coral, gold, and blush to create a cheerful, sunlit aesthetic in home décor, fashion, or design.