Growing your own apricot tree may seem too exotic for the great British weather but is actually very doable. Double this with a dwarf apricot tree as your choice, and you have an excellent productive fruit tree. Don’t assume that dwarf trees produce small fruits as this isn’t the case – if anything, the fruits are bigger than those found on full-sized trees.
Dwarf apricot trees are wonderful to watch through the seasons as their colours change. Springtime brings gorgeous pink blossoms and then makes way for the unique orange fruit during the summer and autumn. Miniature apricot trees will reach no taller than 2 metres and will begin to produce their fruit after 2 years. You can expect heavier crops by year 5 or 6.
If your miniature tree produces a heavy fruit crop, you’ll be needing our guide on what to do with an apricot glut!
Jump To...
Best Dwarf Apricot Tree Varieties
There is a lot to consider and take in when it comes to settling on an apricot variety to suit your garden. We’ve got you covered with our best dwarf apricot tree varieties selected below, along with their key features.
Sibleys Apricot
Both sweet and juicy, Sibleys apricots are a popular garden choice due to their hardiness and attractive appearance.
These stone fruits have the ability to taste a little tart but are still a lovely fruit enjoyed fresh from the tree.
- Best Feature: Self-fertile and hardy
- When To Plant Out: November to March
- Harvest Fruit: August and September
- Best Growing Position: Sheltered and sunny
Apricot compacta
Apricot compacta are a freestone variety of the fruit, meaning the stone comes away from the flesh easily.
Full of taste and bursting with juices, apricot compactas are a heavy cropper variety of dwarf tree.
- Best Feature: Heavy cropper
- When To Plant Out: November to March
- Harvest Fruit: August and September
- Best Growing Position: Sheltered and sunny
Growing Dwarf Apricot Trees
Once you’ve decided you would like to plant a dwarf apricot tree, your next decision is whether to have a potted one or plant one out in the garden.
Some of your decisions will be made by knowing how big you want it to grow. Patio apricot trees stay more compact and are ideal for patio spaces or those not too confident of a gardener.
- Compost: Good quality, well-drained soil
- Watering: Frequently in its first few months, and during dry spells
- Feeding: A good quality fertiliser and will benefit from a layer of mulch
- Rootstock: M27 or M9
Common Dwarf Apricot Tree Problems
- Spotted wing drosophila: This is a relatively new pest to stone fruits and is caused by vinegar flies. The problem will be most apparent during warm weather where damage can be seen on the fruits themselves. Purchasing an insect mesh can help protect your tree, along with pruning at the correct times in the year.
- Blossom Wilt: A fungal infection that enters the tree through wounds in the wood, blossom wilt can affect a variety of fruit trees. Blossom soon turns brown and starts to wilt which will usually be the first sign of this disease. It can lead to another disservice called brown rot if left to fester. Prune out any damaged branches as soon as possible.
- Birds and squirrels: Wildlife is a delight to have in your garden but does come with some downsides. Birds and other wildlife can be the cause of some tree pests as they damage the wood and let infection in. They will also eat the seedlings and buds preventing fruit from growing as extensively. You can net your apricot tree which can help.
Pruning Dwarf Apricot Trees
Pruning dwarf apricot trees is a relatively simple task that won’t require too much of your time and energy. They are a small size anyway so any pruning needed will be minimal to maintain its shape.
When to Prune Dwarf Apricot Trees
To minimise infections, you should aim to prune your dwarf apricot tree in the early spring. Once your tree is established, pruning can be carried out during the summer months.
How to Prune Dwarf Apricot Trees
Pruning your dwarf apricot tree helps it maintain its health so it will continue to crop well in season. Although pruning should occur after the winter, it is important to remove any damaged wood or leaves. Decide the shape you would like your apricot tree to have and focus on the main branches, avoiding overcrowding.
FAQ’s
You can grow dwarf apricot trees in containers and the results will be pleasing. Lovely orange fruits will be available from the summer onwards.
Dwarf apricot trees grow no bigger than 2 metres and can be trimmed shorter than this if desired. This makes them a perfect feature for a small patio or balcony area.
The best compost for dwarf apricot trees will be one that is well-drained and, preferably, loamy. You will want the best possible results from your apricot tree so it makes sense to use a good quality compost.
