How to Grow Bungo Apricot
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Bungo Apricot
Prunus mume var. bungo
treeBungo is a Japanese apricot cultivar prized for its large, flavorful fruits and ornamental qualities. This small to medium deciduous tree produces fragrant white or pink blossoms in early spring followed by golden-yellow fruits. It's a traditional variety that has been cultivated in Japan for centuries and is used fresh, dried, or for making preserves and umeboshi (pickled plums).
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Example Bungo Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bungo Apricot
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bungo Apricot
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bungo Apricot dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 6-8
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Get my Bungo Apricot timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree with developing root system and primary scaffold branches forming
Water regularly and deeply. Prune to establish strong framework. Stake if necessary for wind protection. Remove competing leaders.
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsRapid branch development with vigorous leafy growth; may produce few or no flowers
Continue formative pruning. Fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced fertilizer. Maintain consistent moisture. Thin competing branches for light penetration.
Flowering
2-3 weeksAbundant fragrant blossoms appear in early spring (February-March in most zones) before leaves emerge; flowers are white to light pink
Protect flowers from hard frosts with frost cloth if late freezes threaten. Avoid heavy pruning during flowering. Monitor for bees and pollinators.
Fruit Development
3-4 monthsSmall green fruits develop and grow to marble to golf-ball size; ripen to golden-yellow over 3-4 months
Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart for larger individual fruits. Water consistently during fruit development. Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Monitor for pests.
Ripening & Harvest
4-6 weeksFruits reach full golden-yellow color with sweet, fragrant aroma; fully ripe when slightly soft to touch
Harvest ripe fruits carefully. Reduce watering slightly as fruits ripen. Prune out dead or crossing branches. Plan for post-harvest care.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick fallen fruit daily; use sticky bands on trunk; apply spinosad or neem oil in spring when blossom buds appear
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Pheromone traps; prune infested twigs; spinosad spray during flight periods; maintain tree health
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Hand-pick early morning; use Japanese beetle traps at distance from tree; neem oil spray; encourage beneficial insects
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Prune infected branches; remove mummified fruit; avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation; fungicide spray during bloom if weather is wet
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Copper fungicide spray in fall and early spring before bud break; prune infected leaves; ensure good drainage
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Spray with water to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps
Uses
Fresh fruit and preserves
CulinaryBungo apricots have sweet, flavorful flesh ideal for fresh eating, jam-making, and traditional Japanese umeboshi (pickled plums). The high sugar content and aromatic qualities make them prized for both home and commercial preserve production. [source]
Dried apricots and liqueurs
CulinaryThe fruits dry exceptionally well and retain their flavor and nutritional value. Bungo apricots are also used to make traditional liqueurs and medicinal tonics in Japanese cuisine. [source]
Traditional herbal medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, both the fruit and kernel are used to support respiratory health, digestion, and overall wellness. The fruit is believed to have warming properties. [source]
Spring blossoms and landscape value
OrnamentalThe fragrant early-spring flowers are highly prized in Japanese gardens for their beauty and symbolic significance. The tree's elegant form and seasonal interest make it valuable as a specimen plant or focal point. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeEarly spring blossoms provide crucial nectar and pollen for emerging bees and pollinators. Ripe fruits attract birds and other wildlife, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Bungo apricots ripen in mid to late summer (June-August depending on zone). Pick fruits when fully golden-yellow and slightly soft; they should yield gently to pressure. The fruits do not ripen well off the tree, so wait until fully ripe. Harvest by gently twisting or cutting with pruners. Can be eaten fresh, dried, or preserved. Peak flavor occurs 1-2 days after harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bungo apricots have been cultivated in Japan for over 1,000 years and hold significant cultural and historical importance, often featured in traditional art and literature.
- 🌱 The name 'Bungo' (文化) refers to the Bunka era of Japanese history (1804-1818) when this variety was formally documented and classified.
- 🌱 Japanese umeboshi (pickled plums made from Prunus mume) are claimed to have antibacterial and digestive properties and are traditionally packed in Japanese bento boxes as a folk remedy.
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