Apricot Tree in France: One-Hectare Plot Establishment and Work Schedule

Quick read / The essentials about the apricot tree (Planting and managing a 1 hectare plot)

Planting an apricot orchard on a one-hectare plot requires careful planning, from soil analysis to the installation of a suitable irrigation system. As a specialist wholesale supplier of apricot plants , Arboriverse will assist you in choosing varieties and implementing optimal cultivation techniques. To successfully grow apricot trees, it is essential to analyze the soil composition in order to identify any deficiencies and correct the pH if necessary. Deep plowing and the addition of organic matter help ensure good root establishment.

Buying apricot plants wholesale also requires careful planning of tree spacing to optimize sunlight and air circulation. A recommended planting density of 200 to 250 trees per hectare, with a spacing of 6 to 7 meters, ensures good tree development. As a wholesale supplier specializing in apricot plants , we advise you on the best practices for staking, fertilization and irrigation to ensure the productivity of your orchard. A drip system is recommended to maintain a constant and efficient water supply, with a flow rate of 2 to 4 liters per hour per tree.

The success of a plantation also depends on proper fertilization from the first year. Before planting, a phosphorus and potassium supplement is recommended to stimulate root development. Orchard maintenance follows a precise 10-year schedule, including formative pruning, preventative treatments against diseases such as brown rot, and appropriate weed management. Purchasing apricot plants from a specialist guarantees a selection of suitable plants and technical monitoring for optimal production.


Typical Planting of an Apricot Plot (1 Hectare)

1. Preliminary Soil Analysis

  • Need for a Complete Analysis: Before establishing an apricot orchard or applying any fertilization method, a soil analysis is essential to obtain information on soil characteristics and nutrient availability. No two fields are the same.
  • Sampling Procedure: Collect at least 100 apricot leaves in summer (July-August) and send them to a laboratory for detailed analysis.
  • Interpretation and Correction: If a deficiency is detected, consult an approved agronomist to intervene directly, possibly by foliar fertilization.

2. Soil Preparation

  • Deep Plowing: Deep plowing to 50-60 cm is recommended to loosen the soil and promote root development.
  • Subsoiling: If the soil has a plow pan, subsoiling to a depth of 80-100 cm may be necessary.
  • Amendment:
    • Organic Matter: Add 20-40 tonnes/ha of well-rotted manure or compost.
    • pH correction: If the soil is too acidic, add 2-3 tonnes/ha of lime to reach an optimal pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

3. Drainage

  • Importance of Drainage: If the soil is poorly drained, installing a drainage system is crucial, as apricot trees prefer well-drained but cool soils.

4. Planting Density and Spacing

  • Recommended Density: A density of 200 to 250 trees/ha is ideal, with a spacing of 6-7 meters between trees.
  • Rationale for Spacing: This spacing allows for good sunlight and adequate ventilation, essential for tree health and fruit quality.
  • Hole Preparation: Dig planting holes 50% wider than the root system to facilitate establishment of young plants.

5. Tutoring

  • Benefits of Staking: Although not mandatory for all varieties, staking is beneficial for limiting trunk movement and promoting root development, especially in the first few years.

6. Irrigation System

  • Drip Irrigation: Installing a drip irrigation system is essential, with a flow rate of 2-4 liters/hour/tree to ensure a regular and efficient water supply.

7. Basic Fertilization

  • Initial Input: Before planting, add 100-150 kg/ha of P2O5 and 200-250 kg/ha of K2O to enrich the soil with phosphorus and potassium, thus promoting root development and vigor of young plants.


10-Year Work Schedule for an Apricot Plot

This calendar integrates technical practices based on various sources to ensure complete and optimized management of the plot.

Year 0: Preparation and Planting

  • Autumn (October-November):
    • Soil preparation: Deep decompaction (60-80 cm) and basic amendment with 20-40 t/ha of well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
    • Soil Test: Perform a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels, and correct as needed to achieve an optimal pH of 6.5-7.5.
  • Winter (November-December):
    • Planting trees: Plant apricot trees at a density of 200-250 trees/ha, spacing 6-7 m apart.
    • Staking: Install stakes to support young trees.
    • Rodent protection: Put in place suitable protections.
    • Post-planting watering: Water each tree with 20-30 liters of water.

Year 1: Initial Training

  • Early Spring:
    • Training pruning: Cut the trunk back to 80-100 cm and select 3-4 scaffolds.
  • Spring-Summer:
    • Irrigation: 20-30 liters of water per week.
    • Weeding: Mechanical weeding or mulching.
  • Late Autumn:
    • Fertilization: 100-150 g/tree of NPK fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10).

Year 2: Development of the Structure

  • Winter :
    • Training pruning: Thinning out the center and shortening the branches.
  • Spring-Summer:
    • Irrigation: 40-50 liters/tree/week.
    • Weed control: Extension of the control radius to 1.5 m.
  • Autumn :
    • Fertilization: 200-250 g/tree of NPK fertilizer.

Year 3: First Fruits

  • Winter :
    • Light pruning: Removal of poorly placed branches.
  • Spring-Summer:
    • Irrigation: 60-80 liters/tree/week.
    • Pollination: Installation of 2-3 hives/ha.
  • End of summer:
    • First harvest: 0.5-1 kg/tree.
  • Autumn :
    • Fertilization: 300-350 g/tree of NPK fertilizer.

Years 4-6: Growth and Production

  • Winter :
    • Annual maintenance pruning: Maintains the shape of the tree.
  • Spring :
    • Preventive treatment: Against brown rot.
    • Pollination: Installation of beehives.
  • Summer :
    • Irrigation: 80-100 liters/tree/week.
    • Split fertilization: 400-500 g/tree of NPK fertilizer in 2-3 applications.
  • End of summer:
    • Harvest: Gradual increase.

Years 7-10: Full Production and Maintenance

  • Winter :
    • Fruiting and renewal pruning: Yield optimization.
  • Spring :
    • Fertilization: Adjustment according to foliar analysis.
  • Summer :
    • Irrigation: Monitoring according to climate.
  • End of summer:
    • Harvest: 8-12 kg/tree.
  • Autumn :
    • Foliar analysis: Adjustment of fertilization.
    • Soil cultivation: Improved aeration.


Essential Complementary Techniques

  • Weed control: Mulching, mechanical and thermal weeding.
  • Water Management: Adjusted drip irrigation.
  • Size: Training and maintenance.
  • Thinning: Manual, to improve fruit quality.
  • Fertilization: Organic and mineral as needed.
  • Phytosanitary Protection: Monitoring and appropriate treatments.


Additional Tips

  • Crop Rotation: Intercropping.
  • Biodiversity: Promote the presence of pollinators.
  • Regular Monitoring: Adjustment of practices according to conditions.


To summarize: planting and managing a plot of apricot trees

Apricot tree cultivation requires a methodical approach, starting with a thorough soil analysis and careful preparation. Well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter and adjusted in pH is the key to a successful planting. As a specialist wholesale supplier of apricot trees , we will assist you in choosing varieties suited to your terroir and local climatic conditions. Optimized planting involves careful spacing of trees and the installation of stakes if necessary. Drip irrigation ensures a controlled and efficient water supply, thus avoiding water stress for young plants.

Plot maintenance relies on careful monitoring of nutrient inputs and regular pruning to structure the tree and promote optimal production. Pollination, essential for fruiting, can be optimized by introducing beehives. Buying apricot plants from a professional allows you to benefit from technical advice on fertilization, irrigation, and plant protection, essential elements for ensuring the profitability of the orchard.

From the third year, the first fruits appear, and production reaches its full potential between the seventh and tenth year. A well-maintained orchard can produce up to 12 kg of fruit per tree. Fertilization management is based on regular foliar analysis to adjust inputs according to the actual needs of the trees. As a specialist wholesale supplier of apricot plants , Arboriverse offers tailored solutions to maximize yield and guarantee a quality harvest. To optimize your investment, choose a reliable and experienced partner, capable of providing you with high-quality plants and tailor-made technical support.