Japanese apricot
Prunus mume · Rosaceae
📷 ＋－ at Japanese Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Feuilles, tiges et noyaux ou graines mâchés contiennent des glycosides cyanogènes ; le risque dépend de la partie et de la quantité ingérées. Pour les espèces fruitières, la chair mûre dénoyautée est généralement sans danger.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around japanese apricot and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Prunus mume
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- February to March
- Adult size
- Up to 6 m in height
- Hardiness
- Down to -15 °C
- Origin
- China, Japan, Korea
- Fruits
- Edible (pit not consumed)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Japanese apricot blooms early: plant it facing south/southeast to catch the morning sun and warm up the buds. Apply nitrogen fertilizer in February, then phosphate-potassium in May-June.
The common mistake
Planting it too far in the shade or north-facing: the blooms freeze every year and you get no fruit.
The pro's trick
Before flowering (January), spray wettable sulfur twice: it cuts down spring fungi (moniliosis) and helps fruiting.
Care
Sunlight
Japanese apricot thrives in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct daily sunlight. A south or southwest-facing location promotes abundant flowering and good fruit production. Avoid overly shaded spots that reduce blooming.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during growth and fruiting periods. In summer, water about once or twice weekly depending on climate conditions. In winter, reduce watering but don't let the soil dry out completely.
Soil and planting
Choose well-draining soil rich in organic matter, slightly acidic to neutral. Overly compact or chalky soil can hinder growth. Enrich the soil with mature compost at planting time to encourage a strong start.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune after flowering or in late winter to maintain a nice shape. Remove dead, crossing, or poorly oriented branches. Light pruning is generally sufficient; this fruit tree doesn't require drastic intervention.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in potassium in spring to support flowering. Add decomposed compost each fall to boost soil fertility and tree vigor.
Pests and diseases
Check regularly for aphids or mites. Fungal diseases (moniliosis, leaf curl) can affect damp foliage; ensure good air circulation. Remove infected branches promptly to prevent spread.
Did you know?
In East Asia, Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) has been revered for millennia: its delicate flowers symbolize perseverance and beauty in adversity, blooming in the heart of winter. Its small tart fruits are traditionally transformed into umeboshi (fermented salt plums) in Japan, a fermented food renowned for its digestive benefits.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.