Apricot flowers are ornamental plants commonly grown in Vietnam and many Southeast Asian countries. This plant has the scientific name Ochna integerrima, belonging to the Ochnaceae family.
Apricot flowers have straight stems, young leaves are green and old leaves are black. Apricot flowers bloom in spring, the flowers are bright yellow, have five petals and grow in clusters. Apricot fruit ripens in the summer, is black, has a small seed inside.
Note the techniques when caring for apricot blossoms
1. Choose soil for the tree
We need to choose loose soils with good moisture retention for plants to grow quickly, avoid hard soils that are difficult to drain, easily flooded, and have high alum, which are not suitable for apricot trees.
- Plant directly in soil
You should choose suitable soil for apricot flowers, you should add nutrients to the soil such as: coconut fiber, smoked rice husks, alluvial soil…
After digging the hole and fertilizing, you need to fill about 2/3 of the hole with planting soil, place the apricot tree in and continue filling with soil until it is full and raised high. You can use dry straw to cover the roots when first planted to increase the tree’s ability to retain moisture.
- Planted by continent
For continents, the soil quality is the same as above, but you need to pay attention to the size of the pot to suit the growth of the plant.
2. Fertilizer
Nitrogen fertilizer: This type of fertilizer helps apricot trees develop good green leaves and create strong trees. However, it is necessary to use the correct dosage to avoid causing tree death. Regularly apply nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 months, using an amount of 30-50g per tree.
Potassium fertilizer: Potassium fertilizer helps apricot trees develop strong roots, minimize diseases and enhance flower brightness. Potassium fertilizer should be applied every 2-3 months at a dosage of 20-30g per plant.
Phosphorus fertilizer: This type of fertilizer helps apricot trees develop flowers that bloom evenly, bloom more and are more beautiful. Phosphorus fertilizer can be used at the time of new planting or when the tree is in a new growth stage. Dosage is 30-50g per plant.
In addition, it is necessary to provide enough fertilizer in the morning or afternoon to help the plant absorb it more easily. You should avoid fertilizing in early winter or late summer, when the weather is too cold or hot and affects the plant.
Note: For young plants just starting to grow
After planting, about 10 – 15 days after the tree begins to grow new roots, apply fertilizer, about 50 – 60 grams for small trees (about 40 – 50 cm high). You can fertilize again every 20 – 30 days. If your apricot tree is large, you should increase the amount of fertilizer and space between each application farther.
3. Watering
Regular watering will help keep the apricot healthy and keep the soil fresh and moist.
- Frequency: Watering frequency depends on many factors such as terrain, weather, humidity, size and type of apricot tree. However, you should water evenly and regularly to ensure the soil is always slightly moist, but not too waterlogged. Regularly check soil moisture by poking your finger into the soil to feel.
- Amount of water: The amount of water depends on many factors such as plant size, soil type, and depth of the planting hole. Normally, you need to water enough to keep the soil slightly moist, not too waterlogged. Water should be watered evenly and slowly so that the soil can absorb water better.
- Watering time: The best time to water is in the morning or afternoon, when the sunlight is not too intense. Avoid watering at noon or night to avoid causing plant death.
- Check the plant: If the leaves are shriveled or wrinkled, the plant may be lacking water. On the contrary, if the leaves show signs of being wet or falling off, the plant may be being watered too much.
- Climatic conditions: Climatic conditions can affect watering. If the weather is hot and dry, more frequent watering is required. If the weather is rainy, watering frequency can be reduced.
- Water quality: Water quality also affects apricot trees. You should use clean water, without impurities or toxic substances. If the water has high hardness, you can use rain water or filtered water to water the plants.
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