How to Grow Moorpark Apricot

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Moorpark Apricot

Prunus armeniaca 'Moorpark'

tree

Moorpark is a classic apricot cultivar prized for its large, flavorful golden-orange fruit with firm flesh and rich, sweet taste. This mid-season variety is self-fertile but produces better with cross-pollination and has been a favorite for both fresh eating and canning since the 1700s. The tree reaches 20-25 feet tall with a spreading habit and beautiful spring blossoms.

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Example Moorpark Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Moorpark Apricot
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Moorpark Apricot
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Moorpark Apricot dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily; essential for fruit development and sugar content

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Water: Moderate; 1-2 inches per week during growing season, more frequently during fruit development. Reduce watering after harvest. Drought-tolerant once established but yields better with consistent moisture.

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Spacing: 300 inches

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Days to maturity: Production begins in 3-4 years, reaches peak at 8-10 years

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Planting depth: Plant bare-root trees at same depth as nursery container; graft union should be 2-3 inches above soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy loam soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Organic compost Aged manure Perlite for drainage improvement Gypsum if soil is heavy clay

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 5b-9a; best production in zones 6-8 where spring frost risk is moderate

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Dormancy (Winter)

December-February

Tree is leafless with bare branches; buds swell gradually as chilling hours accumulate (400-900 hours below 45°F required)

Prune during dormancy for structure and air circulation. No watering needed. Apply dormant oil spray if pest issues occurred previously.

Bloom (Spring)

3-4 weeks (March-April, zone dependent)

Delicate pink-white flowers appear on 2-3 year old wood before leaves emerge, typically 2-3 weeks before leaf-out

Monitor for late spring frosts which kill flowers and developing fruit. Frost protection may be needed in marginal zones. No fertilizing during bloom.

Fruit Set & Growth (Late Spring-Early Summer)

4-6 weeks

Small green fruits develop from pollinated flowers; tree leafs out fully with vigorous foliage

Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart when they reach pea size to ensure large fruit. Remove diseased or misshapen fruit. Water consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer.

Fruit Development & Ripening (Summer)

6-8 weeks

Fruits enlarge significantly and gradually change from green to golden-yellow then orange; sugar content increases

Maintain consistent watering; inconsistent moisture causes cracking. Support heavy branches with props if needed. Monitor for brown rot and act quickly.

Harvest & Post-Harvest

2-4 weeks (late June-August)

Ripe fruit reaches deep orange color and yields slightly to gentle pressure; harvest window is 2-3 weeks

Pick fruit in morning when cool. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Continue watering through harvest. After harvest, reduce water to encourage dormancy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Currants Gooseberries Dwarf service berry Borage Tansy Yarrow

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Walnut Potatoes Brassicas (heavy feeders that compete for nutrients)

Common Pests

Remove mummified fruit in winter; thin fruit to improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or fungicide during bloom and ripening if wet conditions occur
Spray water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil in early spring before bloom
Increase humidity with overhead watering in hot periods; use sulfur spray; encourage natural predators
Remove infested fruit; use pheromone traps; apply targeted insecticides in early summer
Prune out affected branches in dormancy; sterilize tools; maintain tree vigor with proper water and fertilization

Uses

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Fresh eating and premium canning

Culinary

Moorpark apricots are exceptionally high in natural sugars with firm flesh that holds shape during cooking, making them ideal for fresh consumption, jams, preserves, and home canning. The large fruit size and minimal bitterness make them a favorite among canning enthusiasts. [source]

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Drying and dried fruit products

Culinary

The dense, sweet flesh makes Moorpark excellent for drying whole or in halves, yielding premium dried apricots with rich flavor. High soluble solids content allows for superior moisture reduction without quality loss. [source]

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Rich source of carotenoids and fiber

Medicinal

Apricots including Moorpark contain high levels of beta-carotene and lycopene (antioxidants) and dietary fiber, supporting eye health, immune function, and digestive health. Fresh and dried forms provide sustained nutritional benefits. [source]

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Natural dye source

Household

Apricot wood, leaves, and fruit skins can be used to create warm yellow and golden hues in natural fiber dyeing, offering a non-synthetic coloring option for textiles. [source]

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Pollinator and wildlife attraction

Wildlife

The abundant spring blossoms attract honeybees and native pollinators, while ripe fruit feeds birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects, supporting broader ecosystem health in home 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

Pick when fruit is firm but yields to gentle pressure and has developed deep orange color—this typically occurs 80-100 days after bloom. Moorpark fruit will continue to ripen slightly after picking if placed in paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days. Handle carefully as ripe fruit bruises easily. Best harvested in morning. For processing/canning, harvest when fully ripe. Stagger picking over 2-3 weeks as fruit matures unevenly.

Fun Facts

🌱 Moorpark is believed to be named after the village of Moorpark in Hertfordshire, England, where it was possibly first cultivated in the early 1700s and propagated by British horticulturists.
🌱 The apricot is one of the few fruit trees that can produce fruit from very young wood (2-year-old branches), allowing younger trees to bear fruit earlier than many other stone fruits.
🌱 Moorpark trees can live and produce fruit for 40-50+ years when properly maintained, with some heritage specimens in Europe over 200 years old still bearing commercial fruit quantities.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Pollination

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