Apricot trees, as one of China's traditional fruit trees, are deeply loved by people for their unique taste and nutritional value. With the pursuit of green and healthy foods, the cultivation area of apricot trees is expanding year by year. This article will introduce in detail the propagation methods of apricot trees, including planting techniques and maintenance essentials, to help you easily master the secrets of apricot tree cultivation.
Choose superior varietiesSelecting superior varieties is the key to successful propagation of apricot trees. There are many varieties of apricot trees in China, such as JinTaiyang, Hongfeng, Yulu, etc. When purchasing seeds or seedlings, choose varieties with strong growth, good fruit quality, and disease resistance.
Select and prepare the landApricot trees are suitable for planting in sandy loam or loam with good drainage, fertile soil, and a pH value between 6.5-7.5. When selecting the land, choose a sunny and well-ventilated area. Before preparing the land, deeply turn the soil and apply enough base fertilizer to provide sufficient nutrition for the growth of apricot trees.
Seeding and planting1. Seeding: Before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water to allow them to absorb water fully. Spread the seeds evenly on the seedbed and cover with about 2-3 cm of soil. After sowing, keep the soil moist, and the seeds will germinate in about 30 days.
2. Planting: Choose strong and healthy seedlings and plant them at a spacing of 3-4 meters between plants and 4-5 meters between rows. When planting, make sure the roots of the seedlings are spread out. Tamp the soil after filling and water thoroughly.
Pruning and thinning flowers and fruits1. Pruning: During the growth of apricot trees, pruning should be done in time to maintain a beautiful tree shape and ensure good ventilation and light. Pruning is generally done before spring germination, removing diseased, weak, crossed, and inward branches.
2. Thinning flowers and fruits: During the bud stage, thin out some buds according to the tree's condition and fruit requirements to improve fruit quality. Before the fruits mature, remove diseased and malformed fruits to ensure uniform fruit size.
Fertilizing and watering1. Fertilizing: During the growth of apricot trees, sufficient base and top dressing fertilizers are needed. Base fertilizers are mainly organic fertilizers, while top dressing fertilizers are mainly compound fertilizers with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizing is generally done before spring germination and after fruit maturity.
2. Watering: Apricot trees like water but dislike waterlogging. During the growing period, keep the soil moist and avoid drought. During high summer temperatures and drought, water appropriately.
Pest and disease controlCommon pests and diseases of apricot trees include aphids, red spiders, and anthracnose. Control methods are as follows:
1. Agricultural control: Strengthen field management and remove diseased and residual bodies to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.
2. Physical control: Use yellow or blue boards to attract and kill pests such as aphids and red spiders.
3. Biological control: Use natural enemies, insects, and microorganisms for pest and disease control.
4. Chemical control: Use high-efficiency and low-toxicity pesticides for control at the early stage of pest and disease occurrence.
Propagating apricot trees is not difficult as long as you master the planting techniques and maintenance essentials, you can harvest abundant fruits. I hope this article can provide useful references for your journey in apricot tree cultivation.