Apricot Moorpark

Apricot Moorpark

Regular price $80.00
Regular price Sale price $80.00
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Apricot 'Moorpark' is one of the world's most famous heritage apricot varieties, prized for producing large, richly flavoured golden-orange fruit with sweet, juicy flesh. A favourite for generations, this classic cultivar is equally delicious eaten fresh or used for bottling, drying, preserves, jams and baking.

In late winter to early spring, the tree is smothered in delicate white to soft pink blossoms, creating a stunning display before the lush green foliage emerges. With its excellent fruit quality and reliable performance, 'Moorpark' is an outstanding choice for home orchards throughout New Zealand.


Why You'll Love Apricot 'Moorpark'

  • Large, sweet, richly flavoured apricots
  • One of the finest heritage apricot varieties
  • Excellent for fresh eating, preserving and drying
  • Spectacular spring blossom
  • Reliable crops in suitable climates
  • Attractive deciduous tree with year-round seasonal interest
  • Self-fertile and easy to grow
  • Perfect for home orchards and lifestyle blocks

  • Expected 5 Year Height 3.0 M Width 2.5 M

Is Apricot Moorpark suitable for my garden?

Apricot Moorpark is best suited in a position that gets

  • Full sun

Apricot Moorpark is

  • Frost Tolerant
  • Flowering
  • Edible
  • Deciduous
  • Cold hardy

Apricot Moorpark will thrive in soil that is

How to establish your Apricot Moorpark?

Plant Apricot 'Moorpark' in full sun.

For the best fruit production:

Choose a warm, sheltered site with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Plant in an area with good airflow.
Protect young trees from strong prevailing winds.
In colder regions, a north-facing position can help improve flowering and fruit ripening.

How to maintain your Apricot Moorpark once established?

Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season.

Water during:

Extended dry periods.
Fruit development.
Hot summer weather.

Consistent moisture encourages larger, higher-quality fruit.

Feed annually in late winter or early spring with a balanced fruit tree fertiliser.

For healthy growth:

Apply compost around the drip line.
Maintain a layer of organic mulch.
Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth instead of fruit production.

Apricot 'Moorpark' is self-fertile, meaning only one tree is required to produce fruit.

Even so, bees play an important role in pollination and help maximise fruit set during flowering.

Prune during late summer after harvesting.

Remove:

Dead or damaged branches.
Crossing or crowded growth.
Vigorous upright shoots.

Maintain an open canopy to improve airflow and sunlight penetration.

Avoid pruning during wet winter conditions to reduce the risk of silver leaf disease.

Fruit is typically ready from late January through February.

Harvest when the fruit:

Develops a deep golden-orange colour.
Feels slightly soft to the touch.
Comes away easily from the branch.

Ideal for:

Fresh eating
Bottling
Drying
Preserves
Jams
Baking
Desserts
Frost and Winter Care

Apricot 'Moorpark' is highly frost hardy once established.

However:

Its early blossoms can be damaged by late spring frosts.
A sheltered planting position helps improve cropping in cooler districts.
Mulch around young trees during winter to protect the root system.

Adequate winter chilling is essential for strong flowering and reliable fruit production.

Monitor regularly for:

Aphids
Leaf curl
Brown rot
Scale insects
Silver leaf disease

Good pruning, orchard hygiene and maintaining an open canopy will help keep trees healthy.

Landscape Uses

Apricot 'Moorpark' is ideal for:

Home orchards
Lifestyle blocks
Family gardens
Edible landscapes
Cottage gardens
Mixed fruit tree plantings

Its beautiful blossom, productive harvest and attractive deciduous habit make it a valuable ornamental and productive tree.

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