How to Grow Exbury Apricot
Exbury Apricot
Prunus mume × Prunus armeniaca
treeExbury Apricot is a hybrid apricot tree developed at Exbury Gardens in England, combining the hardiness and disease resistance of Japanese apricot with the superior fruit quality of common apricots. This deciduous fruit tree produces golden-orange fruit with excellent flavor and performs well in cooler climates. It is particularly valued for its early flowering and reliable cropping in temperate regions.
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Example Exbury Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Exbury 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 Exbury Apricot
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with excellent performance in zones 5-7
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Get my Exbury Apricot timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1-2Young tree develops root system and framework branches. Growth is vigorous, with scaffold branches forming primary structure.
Water deeply and regularly. Stake if needed for wind protection. Remove competing central leaders to develop open vase form. Apply light fertilizer in spring.
Early Flowering
2-3 weeks in early springPink-tinged white blossoms emerge in early spring (often before leaves fully emerge), appearing very early compared to other apricots. Flowers are self-fertile but benefit from cross-pollination.
Protect from late spring frosts if possible. Thin crowded flower buds before bloom to reduce disease pressure. Ensure good air circulation through canopy.
Fruit Development
8-10 weeksSmall green fruit appears after petal drop. Size increases rapidly; fruit reaches full size within 6-8 weeks. Color transitions from green to golden-orange at maturity.
Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart to maximize remaining fruit size and quality. Remove any diseased or deformed fruit. Water consistently; drought stress causes fruit drop and poor sweetness.
Ripening
3-4 weeksFruit develops full golden-orange color and fragrant aroma. Sugar content increases; fruit softens slightly. Peak ripeness occurs over several weeks as fruit matures sequentially on tree.
Maintain consistent watering but reduce frequency slightly. Monitor for fruit-eating wildlife. Handle fruit gently to prevent bruising. Do not harvest until fully ripe.
Dormancy
October to MarchTree loses leaves in fall; hardwood ripening occurs as temperatures cool. Tree enters winter rest period, breaking dormancy as chilling hours accumulate (requires 600-800 chilling hours below 45°F).
Remove fallen leaves to reduce fungal disease inoculum. Prune in late winter while dormant. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer to encourage hardening-off. Mulch to protect roots in cold zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use pheromone traps; apply spinosad or pyrethrin sprays during peak flight periods; remove affected fruit; prune to improve air circulation
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Hand-pick damaged fruit daily; jar tree branches to dislodge beetles in early morning; apply kaolin clay spray before bloom; use netting if severe
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Spray with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial predators (ladybugs, lacewings); use neem oil in early season
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply sulfur dust (not near sulfur-sensitive plants); use predatory mites as biological control
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Thin fruit to reduce humidity; remove infected fruit and mummified fruit; improve air circulation; apply copper fungicide at bloom and fruit development; avoid overhead watering
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Prune out infected branches 12 inches below visible damage; sterilize tools between cuts; avoid wounding tree; plant resistant rootstock
Uses
Fresh Eating and Preserves
CulinaryExbury Apricots are prized for their superior sweet flavor and dense flesh, ideal for eating fresh off the tree, in fruit salads, or processed into jams, preserves, and compotes. The fruit's excellent flavor is particularly notable in cooked applications and pairs well with vanilla, almond, and honey. [source]
Nutritional and Antioxidant Benefits
MedicinalApricots are rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C, and polyphenol antioxidants that support immune function and eye health. The fruit has been traditionally used in various cultures to support digestive health and general wellness. [source]
Drying and Long-Term Storage
HouseholdExbury Apricots dry exceptionally well due to their dense flesh and good sugar content, producing flavorful dried apricots for winter use. Dried fruit can be stored for several months and used in baking, trail mixes, and granola. [source]
Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeThe abundant early spring blossoms provide essential pollen and nectar for honeybees, native bees, and beneficial insects emerging from winter dormancy. This makes Exbury Apricot valuable for pollinator conservation in cooler climates. [source]
Ornamental Tree Value
CraftBeyond fruit production, Exbury Apricot offers ornamental appeal with its delicate pink-tinged white spring blossoms and attractive growth habit, making it suitable as a flowering focal point in temperate fruit gardens and landscapes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest in mid to late summer (typically July-August depending on region) when fruit is fully golden-orange and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Do not pick before full ripeness as apricots do not continue ripening after harvest. Harvest every 2-3 days as fruit matures sequentially. Hold fruit gently in palm and twist slightly while lifting. Store at room temperature for 2-3 days to fully ripen, then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Exbury Apricot was developed at Exbury Gardens in the New Forest, Hampshire, England, combining the hardiness of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) with the superior fruit quality of European apricot, making it one of the few apricot varieties reliably productive in the UK climate.
- 🌱 Unlike most apricots that require 600+ chilling hours, Exbury Apricot needs only 600-800 chilling hours, making it adaptable to regions with milder winters while still thriving in cooler zones—this hybrid vigor is a key advantage over standard apricot varieties.
- 🌱 The tree's early bloom time (often before many other stone fruits) means it can be caught by late spring frosts in some zones, but this is offset by exceptional flower production and the likelihood that sufficient flowers will escape damage to still produce a full crop.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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