How to Germinate Apricot Seeds

Germinating apricot seeds (also known as pits or stones) can be a rewarding way to grow your own apricot tree. Here’s a detailed guide to help you:

1. Extracting the Seeds

• Eat an Apricot: Start by consuming the fruit of a fresh, ripe apricot and save the pit.
• Clean the Pit: Wash off any remaining fruit flesh, and let the pit dry on a paper towel for a few days.

2. Stratification (Simulating Winter Conditions)

Apricot seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and promote germination.

Cold Moist Stratification:

1. Crack Open the Pit:
   • Gently crack the hard outer shell using a nutcracker, vice grips, or a hammer to extract the seed inside. Be careful not to damage the seed.
2. Soak the Seed:
   • Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to begin the germination process.
3. Prepare the Substrate:
   • Moisten some peat moss, vermiculite, or a paper towel. It should be damp but not soaking wet.
4. Stratify:
   • Place the seeds in the moist substrate inside a plastic bag or a sealed container.
   • Store the bag in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for about 60 to 90 days. Check periodically to ensure the substrate remains moist and the seeds aren’t molding.

3. Planting the Seeds

After the cold stratification period, the seeds are ready for planting.

1. Prepare Pots:
   • Fill small pots with a well-draining potting mix.
2. Plant the Seeds:
   • Plant the seeds about 1–2 inches deep in the soil.
3. Water:
   • Lightly water the soil to keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged.
4. Light:
   • Place the pots in a sunny location or under grow lights.

4. Care for Seedlings

1. Watering:
   • Keep the soil moist but be careful not to overwater.
2. Light:
   • Ensure the seedlings get plenty of sunlight (6-8 hours a day) or use grow lights if you’re starting them indoors.
3. Temperature:
   • Maintain a warm room temperature, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).

5. Transplanting

1. Timing:
   • Once seedlings are large enough and the danger of frost has passed, you can consider transplanting them outdoors.
2. Location:
   • Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
3. Hardening Off:
   • Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours a day, increasing the time each day over one to two weeks.
4. Planting:
   • Dig a hole and plant the seedlings at the same depth they were growing in the pots. Water well after planting.

Tips:

• Apricot trees grown from seed may take several years to bear fruit, and there can be significant variations in fruit quality and tree size compared to the parent plant.
• Patience and consistent care are key to success.

With these steps, you should be well on your way to growing your own apricot tree from seed!