Best Fertilizer for Apricot Trees: Soil, Growth & Nutrient Basics

Apricot trees need the right care to grow strong and make sweet fruit. To get good results, it’s important to use the best fertilizer for apricot trees and understand what they need in the soil. Apricots grow best in deep, well-drained soil that is not too heavy or wet. If the ground holds too much water, the roots can rot and your tree may not grow well or make much fruit.

The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If it’s too acidic or too alkaline, the tree won’t take in nutrients, even if you use the best fertilizer for apricot trees. You can check your soil with a simple pH test kit and fix it by adding lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower it).

Apricot trees need three key nutrients to grow:

Nitrogen (N): Helps the tree grow leaves and branches
Phosphorus (P): Supports roots and flower growth
Potassium (K): Improves fruit quality and helps resist disease

A balanced NPK fertiliser, like the one from CompleteGrow (20-20-20), is a top choice and often considered the best fertilizer for apricot trees in Australian home gardens. It gives equal parts of all three nutrients and is easy to mix and apply. Start fertilising in early spring when the tree wakes up. This helps new growth and leads to more fruit later in the season.

If your apricot tree looks pale, has yellow leaves, or does not flower well, it may not be getting enough food. Use the best fertilizer for apricot trees early, and feed again in summer and early autumn. Don’t fertilise in winter when the tree is dormant.

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How to Feed Apricot Trees Through the Seasons

To grow strong trees and tasty fruit, it’s important to feed at the right time. Using the best fertilizer for apricot trees from early spring through late summer gives your tree what it needs at each stage of growth. CompleteGrow offers clean, powerful fertilisers that work well for home gardens and small orchards.

Late Winter to Early Spring

When buds start to swell, apply a balanced NPK fertiliser like the CompleteGrow 20-20-20 Powder. It is the best fertilizer for apricot trees at this time. It helps new shoots and flower buds grow. Mix it with water and pour it around the base of the tree.

Mid to Late Spring (Post-Flowering)

Once flowers drop and fruits begin to form, switch to a lower nitrogen fertiliser with more potassium. This helps the fruit grow large, sweet, and healthy. Use a second round of the 20-20-20 if needed, or try a lighter mix like CompleteGrow 4-18-38 + CaMg. It’s a top choice and often called the best fertilizer for apricot trees during fruit set.

Late Summer to Early Autumn

After harvest, your apricot tree needs help to store energy for the next season. A light feed with CompleteGrow 4-18-38 helps roots grow and supports stem health. Avoid high nitrogen now—too much will cause new shoots that won’t survive winter. A well-timed feeding now is part of what makes the best fertilizer for apricot trees effective year after year.

Always water your tree before and after fertilising. This helps nutrients soak into the root zone. For trees over 3 years old, spread fertiliser evenly under the canopy but avoid touching the trunk directly.

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How to Spot Nutrient Problems in Apricot Trees

Even with good soil, apricot trees can show signs that they need more food. Watching for early signs of nutrient problems can help you fix them before the tree suffers. Using the best fertilizer for apricot trees reduces the chance of these issues happening, but it’s still good to check leaves and fruit often.

Common Deficiency Signs

Pale or yellow leaves: Often a sign of nitrogen shortage
Small fruit: May need more potassium
Poor flowering: Low phosphorus levels
Slow or uneven growth: Could be a micronutrient issue, especially iron or magnesium

If you see these symptoms, use a high-quality fertiliser like CompleteGrow’s balanced NPK blends. They contain both macro and micronutrients that apricot trees need. When used regularly, they are considered the best fertilizer for apricot trees by many Australian growers.

Make sure your tree has enough water—especially during hot spells. Drought stress can reduce how well fertiliser works. Mulching around the base of the tree (but not against the trunk) helps hold moisture and reduce weed competition.

Finally, prune your apricot tree once a year to remove dead wood and shape the canopy. This improves air flow and light, which helps the tree use fertiliser better and grow stronger each year.

With proper pruning, watering, and the best fertilizer for apricot trees, you can enjoy bigger harvests, healthier branches, and longer tree life. CompleteGrow makes it easy to keep your tree productive and strong with premium, balanced nutrients.