Why Apricot Farming in Kenya is a Smart Choice for Farmers Looking Beyond the Common Fruits

Apricot farming is slowly gaining attention among farmers in Kenya who want to grow high value fruits that are not yet common in local markets. While many people focus onbb avocados, mangoes, and citrus, apricots offer an excellent opportunity for farmers who are willing to explore something different. Their sweet flavour, attractive colour, and growing demand from fresh fruit buyers, hotels, supermarkets, and processors make them a profitable addition to a well planned orchard.

At New Leaf Seedlings, we encourage farmers to think beyond traditional crops and invest in fruit trees that can give long term returns. Apricot trees are productive, easy to manage once established, and suitable for several cool regions across Kenya.

 

Why Apricot Farming Makes Sense

Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, fibre, potassium, and antioxidants. They are enjoyed fresh, dried, or processed into jams, juices, sauces, desserts, and baking ingredients. As more Kenyans embrace healthy eating, the demand for nutritious fruits continues to grow.

Unlike fruits that flood the market during peak seasons, apricots remain relatively scarce. This allows growers to target premium buyers who are willing to pay better prices for quality produce.

A healthy apricot orchard can continue producing fruit for over twenty years with proper care, making it an investment that benefits farmers for many seasons.

 

Areas Suitable for Growing Apricots in Kenya

Apricots perform best in regions with cool temperatures and well defined seasons. They require a period of cold weather to encourage proper flowering and fruit development.

Some of the best locations include Central Kenya, parts of Limuru, Kikuyu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, and some parts of Kirinyaga.

The Rift Valley including Molo, Njoro, Elburgon, Nakuru, Kuresoi, and parts of Baringo.

High altitude parts of Meru and Embu.

Suitable areas around Kericho and Nandi.

The ideal altitude ranges between 1500 and 2700 metres above sea level.

Temperatures between 15 and 28 degrees Celsius encourage healthy growth, while annual rainfall of 800 to 1200 millimetres is sufficient when supplemented with irrigation during dry months.

 

The Best Soil for Apricot Trees

Apricots grow best in fertile, well drained sandy loam or loam soils.

The recommended soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 7.5.

Before planting, carry out a soil test to determine nutrient levels and soil acidity. This allows you to correct any deficiencies before establishing the orchard.

Avoid heavy clay soils that hold water for long periods because excessive moisture encourages root diseases.

 

Choosing Healthy Apricot Seedlings

The quality of your seedlings determines the future success of your orchard.

Purchase grafted seedlings from a trusted nursery like New Leaf Seedlings. Grafted trees begin producing earlier, maintain true variety characteristics, and offer more consistent yields than seedlings grown from seed.

Healthy planting material should have;

• Strong stems.
• Well developed roots.
• Healthy green leaves.
• No signs of pests or diseases.
• A clearly identified variety.

Starting with quality seedlings reduces future management challenges and increases productivity.

 

Preparing the Land

Prepare the land at least one month before planting.

Remove weeds, tree stumps, and stones.

Dig planting holes measuring about 60 centimetres wide and 60 centimetres deep.

Mix the topsoil with twenty kilograms of well decomposed manure, about 200 grams of DAP or another phosphorus rich fertiliser if recommended by your soil test.

Return the mixture into the hole before planting.

Allow the soil to settle before transplanting the seedlings.

 

Spacing Apricot Trees

Proper spacing improves sunlight penetration, air circulation, and harvesting efficiency.

Plant trees at five metres by five metres for medium sized orchards or six metres by six metres where trees are expected to grow larger.

This provides enough room for healthy canopy development and simplifies orchard management.

 

Planting the Seedlings

Plant during the rainy season whenever possible to reduce transplant shock.

Remove the nursery bag carefully without disturbing the roots.

Place the seedling upright in the planting hole at the same depth it was growing in the nursery.

Fill the hole with soil, press gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly.

Apply mulch around the base while keeping it away from direct contact with the stem.

Mulching helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure.

 

Water Requirements

Young apricot trees require consistent watering while establishing their root systems.

Water deeply once or twice each week depending on rainfall and soil type.

As trees mature, irrigation becomes especially important during flowering, fruit development, and prolonged dry spells.

Avoid overwatering because saturated soils increase the risk of fungal infections and poor root growth.

Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient methods for maintaining consistent soil moisture while reducing water wastage.

 

Fertiliser Programme

Apricot trees require balanced nutrition throughout the year.

Apply well decomposed farmyard manure every year around the drip line.

Nitrogen encourages leafy growth during the early stages.

Phosphorus supports strong root development.

Potassium improves fruit size, sweetness, firmness, and overall quality.

Micronutrients such as boron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc also contribute to better flowering and fruit development.

A soil analysis every two to three years helps guide fertiliser application and prevents unnecessary expenses.

 

Pruning for Better Harvests

Regular pruning keeps trees healthy and productive.

Remove dead branches, broken limbs, weak shoots, crossing branches and dense growth that blocks sunlight.

Shape young trees early to develop a strong framework capable of supporting heavy fruit loads.

Well pruned trees produce larger fruits, experience fewer disease problems, and are easier to harvest.

 

Common Pests

Apricot trees may be attacked by aphids, fruit flies, scale insects, spider mites and thrips.

Inspect trees regularly and use integrated pest management techniques.

Good orchard hygiene, beneficial insects, approved traps, and recommended pesticides help minimize damage.

 

Common Diseases

Some diseases that affect apricots include powdery mildew, brown rot, bacterial canker leaf curl and root rot.

Reduce disease pressure by pruning regularly, avoiding waterlogged soils, removing infected plant material, and following a preventive spray programme when necessary.

 

When Apricot Trees Begin Producing

Grafted apricot trees usually begin producing fruit within two to three years after planting.

Commercial harvests are commonly achieved from the fourth year onward.

A mature tree can produce between 40 and 80 kilograms of fruit annually depending on the variety, management practices, weather conditions, and tree age.

 

Harvesting Apricots

Harvest when the fruits develop their full colour and become slightly soft while remaining firm enough for handling.

Pick fruits carefully by hand to prevent bruising.

Harvesting early in the morning helps preserve freshness and extends shelf life.

Sort fruits according to size and quality before marketing.

 

Marketing Opportunities

Apricots have several profitable markets across Kenya.

• Fresh fruit vendors.
• Supermarkets.
• Hotels and restaurants.
• Fruit processors.
• Juice manufacturers.
• Jam producers.
• Bakeries.
• Health food stores
• Export markets.

Farmers can also add value by producing dried apricots, preserves, fruit puree, or homemade jams, creating additional income throughout the year.

 

Is Apricot Farming Profitable

Apricot farming can generate attractive returns because the fruit remains less common than many other commercial fruits. Farmers who establish orchards using certified seedlings, maintain proper nutrition, manage pests early, and connect with reliable buyers often enjoy premium prices.

Success depends on careful planning rather than luck. Every decision, from selecting the right location to maintaining tree health, contributes to higher yields and better fruit quality.

 

Start Your Apricot Orchard with New Leaf Seedlings

Every successful orchard begins with healthy planting material. At New Leaf Seedlings, we supply carefully raised, vigorous apricot seedlings suitable for Kenyan growing conditions. Our team also provides practical guidance on site selection, planting, orchard management, nutrition, and after planting care to help you achieve excellent results.

If you are looking for a unique fruit enterprise with strong income potential, apricot farming is a worthwhile investment. Plant quality seedlings today and establish an orchard that will reward you with dependable harvests for many years.