Apricots are very popular fruit trees that can be grown successfully in many parts of California. Apricots perform best in climates with dry spring weather, and in areas with full sun and well-drained soils at least 4 to 6 feet deep. The best soils are fertile, slightly acidic sandy loam soils. Avoid sandy, high clay, or shallow soils. If your soil is not ideal, consider planting the tree in a raised bed planter.
Most apricots are self-fruitful, meaning a pollenizer tree is not required for a good harvest.
There are low chill varieties that do well in Southern California, as they require fewer chill hours. Chill hours can be defined as total number of hours below 45 ºF during the dormant period. The dormant period is between the autumn leaf drop and spring bud break.
Low chill varieties include Gold Kist, Early Gold, and Newcastle (about 300 chill hours), Flora Gold (about 400 chill hours), Katy (about 200-300 chill hours).
Read more about varieties of apricots.
