Moorpark Apricot Tree

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

The Moorpark Apricot Tree produces richly flavored, golden-orange apricots with sweet, juicy flesh that is excellent for fresh eating, baking, drying, preserves, and canning. Beautiful white to pink spring blossoms give way to a delicious summer harvest, making this classic fruit tree an attractive and productive addition to home orchards and backyard gardens.

Botanical name: Prunus armeniaca ‘Moorpark’
Bloom time: Spring
Deciduous
Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT
Prefers full sunlight with at least 6–8 hours of direct sun per day.

WATER
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all, so check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball and water when it feels dry. Water slowly and thoroughly, allowing moisture to penetrate the entire root ball and surrounding root zone rather than watering frequently and shallowly. For more in depth information, please see Watering and Sunlight section below.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Best suited for Zones 4–8. Moorpark Apricot Trees prefer climates with cold winters and warm, sunny growing seasons and require approximately 600–700 chill hours. Because apricots bloom relatively early in spring, locations that experience frequent late spring freezes may have less reliable fruit production even where the tree itself is winter hardy.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Moorpark Apricot Tree, scientifically known as Prunus armeniaca ‘Moorpark’, is a classic fruit tree prized for its richly flavored, golden-orange apricots with sweet, juicy flesh. Fragrant white to pink spring blossoms develop into delicious freestone apricots that are excellent for fresh eating, baking, drying, preserves, and canning. With its beautiful spring flowers and productive summer harvest, the Moorpark Apricot Tree is an excellent choice for home orchards, edible landscapes, and backyard gardens.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Reaches approximately 15–20 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering. Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather. Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Moorpark Apricot Trees grow and produce fruit best in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose an open, sunny location with good air circulation for healthy growth, flowering, and fruit development.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
Prune your Moorpark Apricot Tree to remove dead, damaged, diseased, crossing, or inward-growing branches and maintain an open canopy with good sunlight penetration and airflow. Avoid excessive pruning, and prune during dry weather when possible to reduce the risk of disease entering fresh pruning wounds. Thin developing apricots when crops are heavy, leaving approximately one fruit every 4–6 inches along the branches to encourage larger, higher-quality fruit and reduce stress on the tree.

FERTILIZING
Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Once established, fertilize in spring or early summer when needed with a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for fruit trees. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote vigorous leafy growth at the expense of flowering and fruit production. Do not fertilize in fall or winter.

WINTER PROTECTION
Established Moorpark Apricot Trees are cold hardy within their recommended growing range, but their early spring blossoms are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures than the dormant tree itself. A late spring frost can damage flowers and significantly reduce that year’s fruit crop. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone to help moderate soil temperatures and moisture, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a location for your Moorpark Apricot Tree that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day and has well-draining soil with good air circulation. Dig a planting hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself. Carefully remove the tree from its nursery container and loosen any circling or tightly bound roots. Position the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, making sure the graft union remains above the soil line. Backfill using the native soil removed from the planting hole without adding compost, peat moss, sand, rock, or other amendments directly to the hole. Gently firm the soil to remove large air pockets, then water slowly and deeply throughout the root ball and surrounding soil. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk. Space Moorpark Apricot Trees approximately 15–20 feet apart to provide adequate room for their mature canopy.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 4-8

Moorpark Apricot Trees grow best in USDA Zones 4–8, particularly in areas with cold winters and warm, relatively dry growing seasons. Moorpark requires approximately 600–700 chill hours for reliable flowering and fruit production. Although the tree itself is cold hardy, apricots bloom relatively early in spring, making the flowers susceptible to damage from late freezes. A sunny location with good air circulation and well-draining soil provides the best conditions for healthy growth and fruit production.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Moorpark Apricot Tree get?

A Moorpark Apricot Tree typically reaches approximately 15–20 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide at maturity. Regular pruning can help maintain a more manageable size for home orchards and backyard gardens.

How fast does a Moorpark Apricot Tree grow?

Moorpark Apricot Trees have a moderate growth rate, typically growing approximately 12–24 inches per year under good growing conditions. Growth can vary based on rootstock, climate, soil, sunlight, watering, pruning, and overall tree health.

Where is the best place to plant a Moorpark Apricot Tree?

Plant your Moorpark Apricot Tree in a location with full sun, well-draining soil, and good air circulation. At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day supports healthy growth and fruit production. Where late spring freezes are common, avoid low-lying frost pockets where cold air tends to settle.

How far apart should I plant Moorpark Apricot Trees?

Space Moorpark Apricot Trees approximately 15–20 feet apart. This provides enough room for their mature canopies while promoting good sunlight exposure and air circulation.

When does a Moorpark Apricot Tree bloom?

Moorpark Apricot Trees produce white to pink blossoms in spring. Exact bloom timing varies depending on the grow zone, local climate, and seasonal temperatures. Like other apricots, the flowers can be susceptible to damage from late spring freezes.

Does a Moorpark Apricot Tree need a pollinator?

No. Moorpark Apricot Trees are self-fruitful, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without another apricot variety nearby. Planting another compatible apricot with a similar bloom time may still help improve fruit set and yield.

How long does it take a Moorpark Apricot Tree to produce fruit?

A young Moorpark Apricot Tree may begin producing fruit approximately 2–4 years after planting, depending on the tree’s age, rootstock, climate, care, and growing conditions. Production generally increases as the tree matures.

When are Moorpark apricots ready to harvest?

Moorpark apricots generally ripen in midsummer, often around July, although exact harvest timing varies by climate and location. Fruit is typically ready when it develops its characteristic golden-orange color, begins to soften, and separates easily from the tree.

How many chill hours does a Moorpark Apricot Tree need?

Moorpark Apricot Trees generally require approximately 600–700 chill hours to support proper dormancy, flowering, and fruit production. Chill-hour accumulation varies by climate and location.

Are Moorpark apricots freestone?

Yes. Moorpark produces freestone apricots, meaning the flesh separates relatively easily from the pit when ripe. This makes the fruit especially convenient for fresh eating, baking, drying, preserves, and canning.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.