Friday, March 1, 2013

Propagate Apricot Seeds







Apricot seeds are located inside the hard pit.


Apricots are similar to peaches and nectarines and are classified as a stone fruit. The center of each apricot contains a pit that holds the seed of the plant. If desired, you can remove and clean the pit from the apricot and plant it to propagate a new tree. Unlike other types of fruit, whose seeds do not resemble the parent plant, apricot seeds will produce very similar apricots to the ones they are harvested from.


Instructions


1. Cut open an apricot using a sharp knife but stop before you hit the center pit. Cut away all of the flesh and hold the pit under warm running water and wash away any remaining pulp using your hands.








2. Lay the apricot pit on a paper towel and allow it to sit in a warm, dry location for three to four days until it is completely dry.


3. Place the apricot pit in between the jaws of a vice clamp and slowly tighten the clamp until you hear and see the pit crack. Stop immediately so that you do not damage the seeds. Open the vice clamp and peel away the hull using your fingers or a pair of pliers. Remove the apricot seed, which looks similar to an almond.


4. Place the seed in a cup of water and allow it to soak overnight.


5. Remove the seed from the water and place it inside a plastic storage container filled half full with damp potting soil. Place the container inside a refrigerator that has a temperature between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave the container there for four to six weeks.


6. Remove the small apricot sprout, which has sprouted in the refrigerator, one month before the last frost. Plant it in a 5- to 6-inch plant pot filled three-quarters full of damp potting soil. Move the pot to a location that receives bright sunlight until the temperatures warm and you can plant the seedling outdoors.

Tags: damp potting, damp potting soil, potting soil, using your, vice clamp