Apricot Moorpark
Notify MePrunus armeniaca Moorpark is a classic heritage apricot, celebrated for its rich flavour, juicy texture, and versatility in the kitchen. The large, deep orange fruit with occasional red blush ripens in mid to late summer, offering sweet, aromatic flesh perfect for fresh eating, bottling, or drying. Flowering in early to mid-spring, this variety is known for its excellent taste and traditional appeal.
A timeless choice for home orchards, cottage gardens, or heritage-themed plantings. Complements traditional, productive, and Mediterranean garden styles.
Plant in a warm, sunny, and sheltered position with well-drained, fertile soil. Protect blossoms from late frosts and provide regular moisture during the growing season. Space trees 3–4 metres apart to support healthy canopy development.
Mature size: Grows to around 4–5 metres tall with a broad, spreading form.
Trimming: Prune in late summer, after harvest, to maintain an open canopy and remove any dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches. Avoid winter pruning, as ‘Moorpark’ is especially prone to bacterial canker when pruned in cold, damp conditions.
Deadheading: Not applicable for fruit trees.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring as new growth appears. Use a potassium-rich fertiliser during fruit development to enhance flowering and improve fruit quality. Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure, avoiding direct contact with the trunk.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment and throughout dry periods, particularly from spring to midsummer while fruit is forming. Ensure well-drained soil, as apricots dislike waterlogged conditions.
Pest Control: Watch for aphids, leafroller caterpillars, and mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if infestations occur. Protect ripening fruit from birds using netting.
Disease Management: Prone to brown rot and bacterial canker. Remove and destroy any infected fruit or branches promptly. Always prune in dry weather to reduce disease risk and maintain airflow through the canopy. Apply copper-based sprays in late winter as a preventative measure.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
