apricot 'Compacta'
apricot Compacta
A decadent, self-fertile apricot bringing abundant summer fruit flavour to patios and small spaces. This naturally compact variety reaches just 2m (6ft) tall, yielding heavy crops on a compact frame. Mid-summer brings plentiful harvests of juicy orange apricots with sweet freestone flesh perfect for jams.
Though spring blossoms can be sensitive to frost, the rewards of this petite tree are plentiful - just provide reliably moist, well-drained soil or compost (if growing in large pots) and a sunny, protected spot to help apricot 'compacta' thrive.
Though spring blossoms can be sensitive to frost, the rewards of this petite tree are plentiful - just provide reliably moist, well-drained soil or compost (if growing in large pots) and a sunny, protected spot to help apricot 'compacta' thrive.
How to care for apricot Compacta:
When planting your apricot, prepare a hole up to three times the diameter of its root system. Fork over the base of the pit in readiness, incorporating plenty of organic matter into the backfill and planting hole. Avoiding frozen and waterlogged soil, trees should be planted out as they arrive.
If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up. In exposed positions, consider growing against or training on a sheltered, sunny wall, or stake firmly, keeping the base weed-free.
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support growth and fruiting and provide regular watering during hot, dry spells. Protect blooms from late frost by covering the plant with a double layer of horticultural fleece, and prune in summer to reduce the risk of disease.
If you've ordered a bare root tree, soak the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting, or if this is not possible, they can be heeled in temporarily, covering their roots with soil, or potted up. In exposed positions, consider growing against or training on a sheltered, sunny wall, or stake firmly, keeping the base weed-free.
Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support growth and fruiting and provide regular watering during hot, dry spells. Protect blooms from late frost by covering the plant with a double layer of horticultural fleece, and prune in summer to reduce the risk of disease.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soil, or general-purpose loam-based potting compost
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This plant is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
