How to Grow Sutton's Apricot
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Sutton's Apricot
Prunus armeniaca 'Sutton's'
fruitSutton's Apricot is a hardy, self-fertile stone fruit tree that produces medium-sized, golden-orange apricots with excellent flavor and disease resistance. This cultivar is particularly suited to cooler climates and is known for reliable cropping even in marginal growing conditions. The tree reaches moderate size (12-15 feet) with attractive spring blossoms.
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Example Sutton's Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sutton's 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 Sutton's Apricot
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Hardy in zones 4b-8a; excellent choice for cooler regions where many apricot varieties struggle
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Get my Sutton's Apricot timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree focuses on root and branch development; minimal flowering in first 1-2 years
Water consistently; remove competing weeds; establish main scaffold branches through light pruning; avoid heavy fertilization; stake if needed for support
Pre-flowering
1-2 yearsTree develops mature branch structure; flower buds begin forming on spurs and older wood
Continue formative pruning; thin branches to open canopy for light penetration; apply balanced fertilizer in early spring; maintain consistent watering
Flowering & Pollination
3-4 weeksAbundant pale pink to white blossoms appear in early spring (March-April); self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination
Protect from late frosts if temperatures drop below 32°F during bloom; minimize pruning during flowering; ensure adequate water and nutrients; avoid heavy nitrogen which delays fruiting
Fruit Development & Growth
6-8 weeksSmall green fruits develop and rapidly increase in size; fruit turns golden-orange as sugars develop
Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart for larger, sweeter apricots; thin excess fruit 4-6 weeks after bloom; water deeply and consistently; apply calcium-rich fertilizer to prevent bitter pit; monitor for pests
Ripening & Harvest
2-3 weeksFruit develops full color and aroma; sugar and flavor peak when fully ripe
Pick fruit when fully colored and slightly soft to touch; harvest in morning when cool; handle gently to avoid bruising; continue regular watering until late season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy infested fruitlets; apply neem oil or spinosad during petal fall; maintain good tree hygiene
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Use pheromone traps; apply kaolin clay spray; thin fruit to reduce damage sites; remove and destroy damaged fruit
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Install pheromone traps; apply spinosad or kaolin clay in early season; remove fallen fruit; maintain clean orchard floor
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Keep tree vigorous with proper watering; remove and destroy infested branches; paint fresh pruning wounds; avoid tree stress
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Prune out infected branches; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or copper fungicides in dormant season; remove gumming exudates
Uses
Fresh eating and preserves
CulinarySutton's apricots are excellent fresh-eating fruits with sweet, aromatic flavor ideal for immediate consumption. They also excel in jams, compotes, dried preparations, and baking applications. [source]
Vitamin A and antioxidant source
MedicinalApricots are rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), carotenoids, and phenolic compounds known to support eye health, immune function, and reduce oxidative stress. [source]
Home preservation and winter storage
HouseholdFresh apricots can be preserved through canning, freezing, or drying to extend the season's bounty into winter months. Dried apricots are nutrient-dense pantry staples. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeSpring blossoms attract bees and other pollinators; mature trees provide food for birds and beneficial insects throughout the growing season. [source]
Natural dye production
CraftApricot leaves and fruit can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, producing warm yellow and golden hues. [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 when fruit develops full golden-orange color and yields slightly to gentle pressure, typically July-August. Apricots do not ripen further after picking, so wait until fully ripe on tree. Pick in early morning for best quality. Handle gently as fruit bruises easily. Use within 1-2 weeks fresh, or preserve through canning, freezing, or drying for longer storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sutton's Apricot was developed to thrive in cooler British climates and remains one of the hardiest apricot varieties available, making it an excellent choice for northern gardeners.
- 🌱 Unlike most apricot varieties, Sutton's is fully self-fertile and can produce abundant fruit without a pollinator partner, though cross-pollination with other apricot or plum varieties increases yields.
- 🌱 The tree produces flowers on short spurs that remain productive for 10-15 years, with proper pruning allowing commercial-quality fruit production even in home gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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