How to Grow Chinese Apricots in a Container

Apricots feature a light golden skin and sweet bite similar to that of peaches. Apricots, however, usually are no larger than a silver dollar and have a tart undertone to their flavor. Pui-sha-sin, the Chinese apricot, develops larger and sweeter fruits than Western varieties, making them desirable for those who prefer sweeter fruits. Though Chinese apricot trees, as well as their cousins, usually grow very large, they can be grown in containers with the proper care. This works especially well in a harsh climates or where there is limited planting space.

10- to 15-gallon pot: glazed ceramic or plastic
Flood tray
Large gravel
Mature compost
Pui-sha-sin sapling
Loam potting soil
Watering can
Tepid distilled water
Turkey baster

Instructions

- 1
  Place a 10- to 15-gallon pot on a flood tray near a very sunny window or outdoors in full sun. The pot should have up to six drainage holes in a circle around the bottom. Pui-sha-sin apricots love full sun and moist, well-drained soils.
- 2
  Fill the bottom one-third of the pot with gravel about the size of a nickel. This helps the soil drain and keeps the Chinese apricots from developing wet feet. Place about 4 inches of mature compost on top of the gravel.
- 3
  Gently set the Chinese apricot sapling upright in the container. Scoop loam soil over and around the roots, pressing it down before adding more. Pressed soil helps the tree remain upright and root properly.
- 4
  Water the sapling with tepid, distilled water until it trickles into the flood tray.
- 5
  Suck the water out of the flood tray with a turkey baster; don't leave water standing in the flood tray.
- 6
  Water the sapling again, immediately, until water trickles back into the flood tray. This ensures the soil is fully saturated and seated around the sapling's roots. Empty the flood tray again.
- 7
  Water the sapling every week during regular weather and every three days during dry periods or drought.

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