Growing apricots in the UK was once reserved for those with grand walled gardens, but thanks to modern dwarf rootstocks, cultivating these golden fruits on a patio or balcony is entirely achievable. Growing apricot trees in containers is actually one of the best methods for the British climate, as it allows you to control soil conditions and move the tree to shelter during our unpredictable spring weather.

Choosing the Right Variety

For container growing, you must select a tree grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock (usually 'St Julien A' or 'Torinel'). Varieties such as 'Aprigold', 'Tomcot', and 'Flavorcot' are excellent choices for the UK. Crucially, ensure you choose a self-fertile variety, as you will likely only have room for one tree.

Selecting the Perfect Container

Apricots hate having 'wet feet', but they also require consistent moisture. The choice of planter is critical for both drainage and stability, especially as the tree grows. A container that is too small will restrict the roots and cause the soil to dry out too rapidly.

For a contemporary look that retains heat well, you might opt for zinc square planters, which come in finishes like matte black, matte grey, white, matte copper, or gloss black. These provide a sleek contrast to the lush green foliage. Alternatively, to ensure the roots stay cool in summer and insulated in winter, up to 60cm wood square planters—available in natural wood, black, or grey—are a fantastic choice for maintaining soil health.

If you are planting a slightly more vigorous variety or want a statement piece that offers maximum root volume, 65cm to 90cm diameter rustic whisky barrels are ideal. Available with faded silver rings, rustic rings, or painted black rings, these barrels offer excellent depth and stability against the wind.

Planting and Soil

Apricots require free-draining soil. A standard multi-purpose compost will not suffice as it loses structure over time. Instead, use a soil-based compost like John Innes No. 2 or No. 3 mixed with about 20-30% horticultural grit or perlite to improve drainage. Raise the pot on pot feet to ensure excess water can escape freely.

Location and Protection

Apricots need warmth to ripen their wood and fruit. Position your planter in the sunniest spot possible, ideally against a south-facing wall. This wall acts as a storage heater, absorbing the sun's heat during the day and releasing it at night.

Flowering and Fruiting

One of the biggest challenges in the UK is the apricot's early flowering habit. They typically bloom in late February or early March. While beautiful, these blossoms are vulnerable to late frosts. If frost is forecast, you must cover the tree with horticultural fleece or move the pot into an unheated greenhouse or garage/shed overnight.

Because they flower so early, there are often few pollinators (bees) active. To guarantee a crop, you should hand-pollinate. Simply take a small, soft paint brush and gently tickle the centre of each flower, transferring pollen from bloom to bloom. Do this on a dry, sunny day around noon.

If successful, the fruit will begin to swell in spring. You may need to 'thin' the fruits if the crop is heavy, leaving one fruit every 10-15cm. This prevents branches from snapping and ensures the remaining fruits grow large and flavourful. Harvest time typically arrives in late July to August, when the fruit feels soft and detaches easily from the branch.

Watering and Feeding

Container-grown trees rely entirely on you for water. Keep the compost moist but not sodden. In a hot British summer, this may mean watering daily. Apply a high-potash liquid feed (like tomato fertiliser) every two weeks from late spring until the fruits are harvested to encourage blossom and fruit development.