Apricot trees are a rewarding addition to home orchards, producing sweet, flavorful fruit earlier in the season than many other stone fruits. With proper care and correct planting timing, apricot trees can thrive for decades and provide consistent harvests year after year. While apricots are adaptable, planting them at the wrong time can reduce growth, delay fruiting, or expose young trees to damaging weather conditions.

The best time to plant apricot trees depends heavily on your regional climate. Soil temperature, winter severity, frost timing, and summer heat all play a role in determining the ideal planting window. Understanding when to plant apricot trees in your state helps ensure strong root establishment, healthy growth, and long-term success.

Why Planting Time Matters for Apricot Trees

Apricot trees are deciduous and go dormant in winter, storing energy in their roots. Planting during dormancy or early spring allows the tree to focus on root development instead of leaf or fruit production. This reduces transplant stress and prepares the tree for vigorous spring growth.

Planting apricot trees at the correct time helps ensure:

• Faster root establishment
• Reduced transplant shock
• Improved cold tolerance
• Better water efficiency during summer
• Earlier fruit production and healthier trees

Because apricot trees bloom early in spring, correct planting timing is especially important to help them withstand late frosts and temperature swings.

Best Time to Plant Apricot Trees in Northern States

States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire

Best Planting Time: Late April through May

In colder northern states, apricot trees should only be planted after the soil has fully thawed and the risk of hard freezes has passed. Late April through May provides the safest planting window. Planting earlier can expose young roots to cold, saturated soil, slowing establishment and increasing stress.

Fall planting is not recommended in these states because apricot trees need a longer growing season to establish before winter returns.

Best Time to Plant Apricot Trees in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

States: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland

Best Planting Time: Late March through April

These regions offer a moderate spring planting window. Apricot trees should be planted once the ground becomes workable and nighttime temperatures are consistently above freezing. Early spring planting allows roots to establish before rapid top growth begins.

Fall planting may work in some Mid-Atlantic areas, but spring remains the most reliable option for long-term success.

Best Time to Plant Apricot Trees in the Southeast

States: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas

Best Planting Time: December through February

The Southeast offers one of the longest planting windows for apricot trees. Mild winters allow planting throughout the dormant season, giving roots ample time to establish before spring growth begins. Winter planting also reduces stress caused by rapidly rising temperatures later in the season.

Late spring planting is discouraged, as warm weather can slow root development and increase water demand.

Best Time to Plant Apricot Trees in Texas, Oklahoma & the Gulf States

States: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida

Best Planting Time: December through February

In these warmer regions, apricot trees benefit from winter planting. Establishing roots early helps trees handle spring heat and unpredictable weather patterns. Selecting varieties suited to lower chill requirements is important in southern climates.

Best Time to Plant Apricot Trees in the Midwest

States: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Kansas, Nebraska

Best Planting Time: March through April

The Midwest experiences variable spring weather, making timing critical. Apricot trees should be planted once the soil warms and extended freezes become less likely. Early spring planting allows the tree to establish before summer heat arrives.

Best Time to Plant Apricot Trees in the Upper South & Appalachian Regions

States: Virginia, West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Tennessee

Best Planting Time: February through April

These regions provide favorable conditions for apricot trees due to moderate winters and adequate rainfall. Planting in late winter or early spring gives roots time to establish while temperatures remain mild.

General Rule of Thumb for All States

If you are unsure about the exact planting window in your area, follow this simple guideline:

Plant apricot trees while they are dormant or just before spring growth begins.

This timing minimizes stress and supports faster establishment.

Planting Tips for Apricot Trees

Sunlight

Apricot trees require full sun for best growth and fruit production. Choose a location that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Requirements

Well-draining soil is essential. Apricot trees do not tolerate standing water, which can lead to root problems.

Spacing

Space apricot trees 15–20 feet apart to allow for proper canopy development and airflow.

Watering

Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season.

Frost Awareness

Because apricot trees bloom early, planting in locations with good air circulation helps reduce frost damage risk.

Why Starting With Quality Apricot Trees Matters

Apricot trees are a long-term investment that can produce fruit for many years. Starting with healthy, well-grown trees helps ensure faster establishment, fewer problems, and earlier harvests.

Why Customers Choose Ty Ty Nursery to Buy Apricot Trees

• Large selection of apricot trees for sale
• Best prices without sacrificing quality
• Fastest in-season shipping — plant in days the Ty Ty way
• Industry-leading guarantees included free
• Certified Google Quality Store: View Reviews
• Nearly 50 years in business with over 10 million plants shipped
• Tens of thousands of 5-star reviews: Read Customer Reviews
• Live plant experts located in Ty Ty, GA — call 888-758-2252
• Convenience of shopping online and having apricot trees delivered directly to your door

When you are ready to buy apricot trees online, choosing an experienced nursery helps ensure success from planting day forward.