Dwarf apricot

[ken]

I was given a dwarf apricot in a pot a year ago. I've over-wintered it in the conservatory to protect from peach leaf curl. There's been some die-back on the branches which I will trim back, but what has surprised me has been the mass of very healthy looking new side shoots that have appeared. Should I thin these out, or are these where the fruit will form (hopefully) next year? (PS The plant had about a dozen flowers in March but right now it looks as though I might get one fruit, the rest have all dropped. Not very successful with the hand pollinating. Next year I think I'll put the plant outside on sunny days.)

[Motherwoman]

Hi Ken,

The good news is that apricots don't get peach leaf curl. It is also possible to grow outside in the soil in a favorable spot. You may need to protect blossom from frost with some netting. Certainly at this young stage you should be looking to form a good shape, either a bush or a fan-trained plant. Cropping is best on short spurs on wood which is 2 or 3 years old.

MW

[ken]

Many thanks, MW - that's really reassuring. I'll have to weigh up now whether to plant it out or keep it in its pot, but right now it's looking good.