Showing posts with label EDIBLE PLANTS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EDIBLE PLANTS. Show all posts

Tuesday, 6 December 2022

Adorable Apricots - The Essential Guide to probably everything you need to know about growing Apricot - Prunus armeniaca

Apricots, are easy to grow,  thriving in a variety of climates and providing a delicious source of food that can be eaten fresh and dried, perhaps offering one of the finest dry fruits. We love these trees in our gardens as they provide a great source of fruit right through July just after the Cherries and Mulberries have finished and just before the Plums and Figs are ripe. The plants are one of the most beautiful in the Prunus genus, with their heart-shaped leaves, not to mention the beautiful pink and white blossom displays very early in the Spring.  As if that is not enough of a reason to grow these majestic plants, Apricot fruits provide a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to keep you super healthy.

 During this post, we’ll take a close look at these incredible plants, including how to grow them, their many uses, and growing apricots in polycultures and permaculture landscapes. Finally we'll introduce some excellent cultivars that we are offering from the nursery this season.




Overview

Apricot belongs to the Prunus genus, which also includes cherries,  peaches, plums, and almonds, sometimes referred to as the stone fruits.  There are a number of cultivars of apricot trees that have been developed over the years, each with its own unique characteristics. There are also quite a few different species some of the most common including the Siberian apricot (Prunus siberica), the Japanese apricot (Prunus mume), and the European apricot (Prunus armeniaca). Prunus armeniaca is the most commonly cultivated apricot species.


While researching the different species and types of apricots and where they come from, it became clear very quickly that it's complex and messy. To make things even more complicated hybridisors have created what is known as a "black apricot" or "purple apricot", (Prunus dasycarpa), a hybrid of an apricot and the cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) and other apricot–plum hybrids are variously called plumcots, apriplums, pluots, or apriums.

In 1583 a Neapolitan scientist Gian Battista Porta describes the cultivation of this fruit in Southern Italy, and divides apricots into two major groups: 

Bericocche with a round shape, soft and white pulp sticking to the stone (Clingstone). 

Chrisomele is very colorful, and soft with non-sticking pulp to the stone (Freestone).

I could not find any modern reference to this division but the stone's clinginess to the fruit is a  characteristic often noted within the descriptions of the many cultivars available.  Freestone refers to the stone coming away easily from the fruit flesh, Clingstone refers to the stone holding onto the fruit flesh. 

For the rest of this post, we'll focus on the most widely cultivated Apricot - Prunus armeniaca

Apricot - Prunus armeniaca


Latin name - Prunus armeniaca
Common name - Apricot, Armenian plum, Armenian peach, and Chinese plum
Family - Rosaceae



History  - Apricots have been cultivated for thousands of years, probably as far back as 3000 BC. The exact origin of the apricot is not known, but it is believed to have originated in the region around present-day Armenia (hence the Latin name reference). From there, it spread to other parts of Asia, including China, India, and Japan. Apricots were cultivated widely during the classical period and likely introduced to the Romans by the Greeks that would have received them from trade and travel along the silk road from Asia. The greeks referred to them as the “golden eggs of the sun.”  

Four seasons of a mature Apricot tree

The presence of apricots is documented as far back as the 1st century AD in the writings of Pliny the Elder where he talks of the fruits being grown in the fertile soils around the volcano, Vesuvius in Italy.  It was in fact, the eruption of this Volcano in AD 79 that claimed Pliny the Elder's life, along with all those Apricot trees I presume.

Depiction of the Vesuvius eruption by William Marlow

This Volcano has erupted another 30 times since 79 A.D., most recently from 1913-1944. Throughout this period Apricots have continued to be cultivated in the area and it is thought that one of the first varieties to be cultivated on Italian soil still grows there today where there are still 2,000 hectares of apricot trees grown around Vesuvius. It's an active volcano, and it's certain to erupt again. They must be some adorable Apricots!


In the centuries that followed, the apricot tree was introduced all over Europe and then to the Americas, where it quickly became a popular fruit. 

Growing range - Today, apricot trees are grown in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Australia. Warm and sunny weather is necessary for good yields of ripe fruits. The plants will not grow well in overly cloudy areas with short summers but warm weather is not enough. Apricots also require winter chill between 350- 500 hours  0°- 7°C, this is essential for flower and fruit formation.  The plants are well-suited to temperate climates, specifically Mediterranean and continental climates with long hot summers and dry cool winters. They are not suitable for sub-tropical and tropical climates. 

A young Apricot tree growing among the ruins of Baalbek, Eastern Lebanon. 

Worldwide 4,083,861 tonnes of apricot is produced per year.  It's interesting to observe that the bulk of the fruit is still grown in the native region of the plant.  Turkey is the largest apricot producer in the world with 846,606 tonnes of production per year. Uzbekistan comes second with 536,544 tonnes of yearly production. With 329,638 tonnes of production per year, Iran is the third largest producer of apricot. European production is mainly from Italy, Spain, France, and Greece and the plant is grown extensively throughout North Africa 




I did find a link to a podcast titled growing Apricots in Alaska but have not got around to listening. Here it is in case you are interested 

Description -  The Apricot is a small tree, 8–12 m (26–39 ft) tall, and has a dense, spreading canopy of up to 8m wide. 


The leaves are ovate, 5–9 cm (2.0–3.5 in) long, and 4–8 cm (1.6–3.1 in) wide, with a rounded base, a pointed tip, and a finely serrated margin.


The flowers are 2–4.5 cm (0.8–1.8 in) in diameter, with five white to pinkish petals; they are produced singly or in pairs in early spring before the leaves. The fruit is a drupe (stonefruit) similar to a small peach, 1.5–2.5 cm (0.6–1.0 in) diameter (larger in some modern cultivars), from yellow to orange, often tinged red on the side most exposed to the sun; its surface can be smooth (botanically described as glabrous) or velvety with very short hairs (botanically: pubescent).


Apricot cultivars can be grown on a variety of rootstocks that will result in smaller trees (see grafting and cultivars section below) 

Sexual Reproduction - Apricot trees reproduce sexually through the process of pollination. In order to produce fruit, apricot trees must be pollinated by bees or other insects that transfer the pollen. Apricot has hermaphroditic flowers, both male and female reproductive organs on the same flower. As with all fruit pollination,  pollen from the male part of the flower must be applied to the stigma -- the female part of the flower, in the center of the blossom -- while it is receptive. The amount of time the stigma remains receptive varies with the weather, but it is typically receptive 12 to 48 hours after the blossom opens. If the weather is hot, which isn’t likely during the time of year apricot trees bloom, the receptive period is shorter than it would be if the weather were cooler.  Once the pollen reaches the female reproductive organs, it fertilizes the ovules, which then develop into seeds. These seeds are encased in the fruit that we eat, and when the fruit is ripe, the seeds can be dispersed and can grow into new apricot trees.


Light Preferences - Apricots prefer full sunlight and require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to grow and produce fruit. In general, apricot trees should be planted in an area of the garden that receives plenty of sunlight, with no trees or other structures that could shade the tree and limit its exposure to the sun. Apricot trees can also be grown in pots or containers, as long as they are placed in a sunny location where they can receive enough light to thrive.

Water needs - The plants are drought tolerant but as with the majority of fruits, regular and reliable watering is required in order to grow and produce good-quality fruit. In general, apricot trees should be watered deeply and consistently, providing them with enough moisture to support healthy growth. However, it is important not to over-water apricot trees, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. The best way to water an apricot tree is to provide it with a deep, thorough watering once a week during the dry season and high summer when the fruits are developing. 

Habitat and Biodiversity - Apricots can attract a variety of wildlife to the garden. The flowers of the apricot tree are a popular source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the production of fruit. The early flowering period makes these plants, particularly important support for bees and other pollinators.  


Additionally, the fruit of the apricot tree is a favorite food for birds, such as robins, thrushes, and finches, which help to disperse the seeds and ensure the continued growth and reproduction of the tree. At commercial scale birds can be a serious pest destroying large quantities of crops but we have never had any significant damage to crops via birds.  Apricot trees can also provide shelter and habitat for other animals, such as squirrels, and other small mammals. Overall, apricot trees can be an important part of a healthy and diverse ecosystem, supporting a wide range of wildlife and helping to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

Hardiness - USDA 5-9. The tree is slightly more cold-hardy than the peach, tolerating winter temperatures as cold as −30 °C (−22 °F) or lower, if healthy. 

Winter Chill - After apricot trees drop their leaves and enter dormancy, they must accumulate hours of low temperatures  32°- 45°F or  0°- 7°C throughout the winter months. This is known as their winter chill requirement. The cold weather slowly breaks down the growth inhibitors in the apricot tree's vegetative and flower buds, readying them for another season’s growth. With their chill requirements met, apricot buds stay in a resting state until warm spring weather signals them to start growing. The number of hours depends on the cultivar but it seems the vast majority require between 350 to 500 chill hours. some may need up to 1000 chill hours. 


Where to Plant


Climatic Limitations - In general, apricot trees prefer warm, dry climates and do not do well in extremely cold or wet conditions. Saying that we have been growing them successfully in Shipka, Bulgaria, Southeast Europe Koeppen- Geiger Climate (KCC)  where we experience cold snaps in March and April with frosts as late as May. With good cultivation selection and sitting the trees in optimal locations, we manage to get a good yield of fruits in most seasons. 

Soil -  the plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They also require good drainage in order to prevent waterlogging. In general, apricot trees do not do well in heavy, clay soils that retain moisture, as this can lead to root rot. It's possible to grow them in clay soils as long as the drainage is adequate.  

Location - Apricot trees require plenty of sunlight and will not grow well in shady areas. On a windy site choose an area sheltered from the wind. This will also likely improve productivity as flying insects will be more active during flowering periods, leading to better fruit settings. In cooler climates, planting nest to sun-facing walls can help prevent blossom damage and hasten fruit ripening but the roots can be quite aggressive and planting close to weak walls or foundations may cause problems further down the line.

For the best yields of fruit, two cultivars that flower at the same time are recommended. Planting trees on semi-standard rootstocks 5.5 - 7.5 m apart (18 - 25 ft) will most likely ensure cross-pollination. If you are short on space, no problem, apricot trees can be grown successfully in containers too. 


Pollination/Fertilisation -   Although most apricot cultivars are self-fruitful, meaning flowers from the same tree pollinate one another, the trees are more productive when cross-pollinated. Cross-pollination describes the process of the transfer of pollen between two cultivars of a plant, in this case between two cultivars of  Apricot - Prunus armeniaca. This is achieved with the assistance of insects and for cross-pollination to occur, both apricot cultivars should be in flower at the same time.


Even when two or more apricot trees are planted, cross-pollination may not occur if the trees are too far apart. Planting trees 5.5 - 7.5 m apart (18 - 25 ft) will most likely ensure cross-pollination.

Weather presents the biggest obstacle to apricot tree cross-pollination. Apricot trees are very early to bloom in spring, and a late frost can damage their flowers enough to disrupt pollination. Windy, rainy, and frosty weather sharply curtails bee activity. 


Feeding, Irrigation, and Care


Feeding - Once the tree is planted adding  20 L compost or other organic matter to the surface every spring will maintain good soil health and support the tree's growth.

Planting -  It is best to plant in well-prepared soil high in organic matter with good structure and drainage. This will help to create a healthy, fertile environment for the tree to grow and produce fruit. 

Weeding - Grasses growing around a newly planted tree will compete for water so it's a good idea to keep under the trees clear from grasses. As the tree establishes and develops sinker roots and a wide spreading network of roots that accumulate water from a wider area, the grass will not be such a problem.

Pruning -  In general, apricot trees should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to bud and produce leaves. This will allow you to see the tree's structure clearly and make pruning decisions more easily. Formative pruning, when the plants are young will help reduce regular pruning later in the tree's life. This includes removing branches growing inwards or crossing over other branches.  The goal is for the tree to have an open center, with a central trunk and several main branches that form a vase-like shape. 


This will help to ensure that the tree has good air circulation and is able to support the weight of the fruit and allow light to the inner parts of the tree, promoting healthy growth and fruit production. Following this as the trees mature, removing dead or diseased branches will promote healthy growth and fruit production.

Harvesting - Apricots are typically ready to be harvested in July. The exact timing of the harvest will depend on the cultivar and the climate in which it is grown. In general, apricots are ready to be harvested when they are soft to the touch and have a deep, rich color. The fruit will also have a sweet, fragrant aroma when it is ripe. 


To determine if the fruit is ready to be harvested, you can carefully test a few apricots by gently pressing on them with your thumb. If the fruit gives slightly and feels soft, it is ready to be picked. It is best to harvest apricots in the morning, when they are cool and fresh, and to use them as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.

Propagation - Unlike many fruit trees in the Prunus genus, Apricots can be propagated by several different methods, including, hardwood cuttings,  rooting cuttings, layering, and seed germination. 

  • Cuttings are lengths of stem usually taken from the previous year's growth of an established tree. Cuttings are taken in late winter or early spring and rooted so that they produce a whole new tree. the cutting will produce the same fruit as the tree you took it from.
  • Layering involves encouraging the roots of an existing tree to grow into a new plant. To do this, choose a healthy branch of the tree and bend it down to the ground, making sure to leave a few sets of leaves on the branch. Then, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to make a shallow cut in the bark of the branch, where it touches the ground. Cover the cut area with soil and water it well, and the branch should begin to develop roots within a few weeks. Once the roots are well-established, the new plant can be carefully cut away from the parent tree and transplanted into a pot or into the ground.
  • Seed germination. Sow the seeds and keep moisture levels consistent (like a wrung-out sponge) Once the seedlings have developed several sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the ground. 
  • Grafting - The most common way to propagate Apricot cultivars is by grafting and this gives you the certainty that the fruit will be the same as the cultivar is known for, as well as some control on what size the plant will be, i.e by using dwarf semi-standard or standard rootstocks. The below table list some common semistandard rootstocks used for Apricots 
  • Apricot has been successfully grown on several rootstocks including Torinel, Nemaguard, Nemared, Lovell, Mariana 2624, and Citation. Nemaguard (seedling peach rootstock) and Citation are the most common rootstocks used in commercial apricot production in California. Rootstocks can also influence the plant's susceptibility to common diseases and tolerance for certain soil tryps for example the Nemaguard  rootstock is highly resistant to root-knot nematode and results in a plant that is fairly tolerant of waterlogged soils

Irrigation - If summer brings about 25mm or 1 inch of rainfall every 10 days you won’t need to irrigate. But if it gets dry in the summer, you want to give Apricots a thorough soaking.  Once every 10 days or two weeks is plenty as long as you are soaking the ground really well so that the water drains way down to the roots. We'll often plant in depressions (planting dish) and empty a 20L bucket into the dish to absorb into the soil slowly. Running a hose in the planting dish with a slight trickle will also work well. Demand for water increases to maximum just prior to the fruits ripening which is late June in our area, conveniently when we get our highest rainfall.

Potential Problems - The main problems you will likely face growing Apricots will be when growing them in areas with lots of cloudy days and short summers and/or areas with very cold periods during the early Spring  
  • Apricot flowers emerge early in the season and are sensitive to frost and can be damaged by late frosts, which can kill the flowers and young fruit as they are developing. Heavy rain can also damage the flowers. If hard rain is expected during bloom, covering trees with a large tarp can prevent damage.
  • A lack of natural pollinators due to low biodiversity in the region or due to bad weather conditions during flowering times may prohibit cross-pollination. Lots of habitat for bees, flies, butterflies, and wasps will ensure a good apricot harvest. (see our Early Polleniser Polyculture for some great plants for early pollination)
  • In some seasons"over-pollination" can be a problem. In an attempt to mature too many fruits for the available resources, a high proportion of fruit is undersized. This is more of a problem for commercial growers where the equal size and weight of each fruit are important. Heavy fruit sets can also result in physical damage to the trees. Blossom pruning or removing fruitlets early in the season can help prevent this.

Pests and Disease - Apricots are largely untroubled by pests and disease as long as they are provided with adequate water and grown in fertile soils. When not cared for properly the plants will be stressed and like all organisms, will be vulnerable. Probably the most common issue will be birds eating the fruit but depending in what area you are growing in you may find some fungal and bacterial issues too. You can find a good overview of Apricot pests from Utah University here.


Apricot Uses


Fruit -   There is a lot of variation in flavor depending on the cultivar you select but in general the flesh will be succulent or dry and the taste ranges from sweet to tart. You can pick the fruit unripe and it will take 1 to 2 days on a counter to ripen. Once ripe, apricots last another 1 to 2 days at room temperature or 3 to 5 days in the fridge. They are one of the best fruits for drying and the best news is, drying apricots does not affect their nutritional value. They offer the same benefits as fresh ones and make excellent snacks, great chopped up and added to muesli that can be stored for long periods of time. Spraying some lemon juice on the apricots before drying them prevents the apricots from browning. (see below for full instructions on how to dry Apricots). The fruits can also be used for jams, competes, juice, and when fermented wines and liqueurs. Apricot fruits make a pretty good Rakia too. 


The nutritional composition of apricot fruits is approximately (per 100 g): 85% water, 2700 1.U. vitamin A, 0.6 mg Niacin, 1.0 g protein, 0.03 mg vitamin B1, 17 mg Calcium, 0.2g fat, 0.02 mg vitamin B2, 23 mg Phosphorus, 12.8 g carbohydrate, 10 mg vitamin 0.5 mg Iron, 1.0 mg Sodium, 281 mg Potassium.

The seed of the fruit is protected by a husk and within the husk is the kernel. The kernel is a valuable by-product of the fruit and can be either sweet or bitter. A sweet kernel can be used like almonds and have a similar taste. Bitter kernels are not edible but can be used for oil extraction resulting in Apricot kernel oil that is high in oleic and linoleic acids and is an important commercial commodity.


Wood - Apricot wood is used for turned objects, musical instruments, carvings, and knife handles. Apricot tends to be assigned to smaller, more decorative purposes as the wood size is limited. For more info on Apricot wood see the Wood Database.

Leaves - Apricot leaves can be used as supplementary cattle feed as well as for goats and rabbits. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves.

Biodiversity - The early flowering of these plants provides an excellent source of early forage for pollinating insects. They would make a great addition to an Early Polleniser Polyculture

Ornamental  - Being one of the first trees to blossom in the spring they add great aesthetic value to the ornamental garden, brightening up the treescape with gorgeous pink/white blossoms. To visit the wild Apricot woodlands of Northwest China in early spring is high on my travel wishlist!


Medicinal uses - Various parts of the plant are used medicinally to treat a wide range of diseases, including respiratory, gynecological, and digestive disorders and for their antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, vulnerary, anthelmintic, and anticancer properties. We've never used Apricots medicinally for anything specific and not sure how effective it is as medicine to treat the above-mentioned.

Yields - The fruit yield for mature apricot tree ranges from 10 to 100 kg per tree, depending on the cultivar. For young trees (less than 6 years), fruit yield is between 3 and 25 kg per tree 


Known Hazards - Like the majority of Prunus species, Apricots produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavor. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. Usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm, any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. 

Apricot Polycultures/Permaculture 

We use Apricot in our polycultures often. Being sun-loving they require a position in the Upper Canopy. but we find you can fit a number of herbs and fruiting shrubs under and around the plants especially so if you lift some of the lower-growing branches.

Apricot in a Polyculture Orchard 

We have Apricots included in a four-layer productive polyculture in one of our Polyculture Trial gardens. The purpose of the polyculture is to provide a succession of fruits and nuts for our team and to study the invertebrate associations within the herb layer. The polyculture is composed of two 1m wide beds that include a Canopy, Shrub, Herb, and Bulb layer. Between the planting beds are 3m wide alleys of mixed species meadow plants. 


A 46 m long section of 2 beds. The alley of grassland in between the beds makes up a total area of 230 m2. The planting pattern is modular and can be extended vertically and horizontally to include more beds and alleys for broad-scale application.
 
Here is the full species list for the Dionysis polyculture



To ensure the Apricots are cross-pollinated well we included 3 different cultivars 'Early Kishinevska', 'Markuleshti' and 'Modesto' (more on these cultivars below) 


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We always include a variety of Allium bulbs in all fruit tree underplanting.  Growing Alliums around apricots and other members of the Prunus genus is thought to keep borer insects away which may bore into the tree causing disease. They also serve well to suppress weed. You can find a variety of Alliums we plant here.

We have a few of our Apricot trees in raised beds in the home garden where we stock most of the mother plants for our nursery. We are planning to propagate from the Apricots via root cuttings and hardwood cuttings keeping the trees small to provide some shade to the other nursery plants in the raised beds. In our climate too much high summer sun is often a problem in our gardens. 

We've been experimenting with ground covers at the base of the trees, which have been working well so far.​​ Symphyotrichum ericoides - White heath aster​  and Delosperma cooperi - Pink Carpet are particularly good. Within the ground cover, we plant a variety of bulbs that flower throughout the season for short periods including low-growing Allium moly Golden Garlic.

Delosperma cooperi - Pink Carpet in the first winter after planting and already providing some great ground cover. 

We also have an Apricot as one of our upper canopy fruit trees in a small Forest Garden Design. This garden is located near other Apricot trees growing around the garden so we have not included a pollinator partner in the design. More on this garden can be found here



Apricot Cultivars 


Here is a selection of cultivars that we are growing in our gardens and offer from our Nursery. We selected these cultivars for their high yields, excellent taste, and resistance to disease and pests. 


Apricot - Prunus armeniaca - 'Early Kishinevska'


Apricot - Prunus armeniaca - 'Hungarian'


Apricot - Prunus armeniaca - 'Albena'


Apricot - Prunus armeniaca - 'Kostyudzhenska'


Apricot - Prunus armeniaca - 'Modesto'


Apricot - Prunus armeniaca - 'Markuleshti'


All of the cultivars are 17 EURO per tree. All orders over 500 EURO receive a 10% discount and we can also provide bulk orders of 100 plants or more for heavily discounted prices. If you would like to place an order send us an email at balkanecologyproject@gmail.com or contact us on Whatsapp at +359988342649 with your order. We look forward to hearing from you. 

How to Dry Apricots 


Drying apricots is a simple process that can be done at home with a few basic tools. 
  • The first step is to wash and dry the apricots, then cut them in half and remove the pits. Freestone cultivars are very easy to work with.  
  • Next, place the apricot halves on a baking sheet and put them in the oven set to the lowest possible temperature (usually around 65 -90 Celsius or 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit). 
  • Leave the apricots in the oven for about 8-12 hours, or until they are dry and leathery. 
  • To check for doneness, remove one of the apricots from the oven and let it cool. If it is dry and pliable, the rest of the apricots are ready.
  • Once the apricots are completely cool, they can be stored in an airtight container and will keep in great quality for six months. After opening, you may wish to store them tightly sealed in the refrigerator to preserve the quality for up to six additional months.
It's worth noting that the vast majority of dried apricots (and other dried fruits) available in stores are sprayed with Sulfur dioxide a type of sulfite. For some people, even small amounts of sulfite can wreak health havoc on your health. The fruits are often sundried in areas with long hot summers and sprayed a number of times both to preserve and maintain an orange color. Always best to grow your own.



Support Our Project

If you appreciate the work we are doing you can show your support in several ways.



We offer a diversity of plants and seeds for permaculture, forest gardens and regenerative landscapes including a range of fruit and nut cultivars. You can order year around, and we'll deliver during the dormant season. Give a happy plant a happy home :)

Our Bio-Nursery - Permaculture/Polyculture/ Regenerative Landscape Plants 

We also have a range of seeds, tubers and cuttings available all year round - delivery worldwide.

http://www.thepolycultureproject.com/store/c2/Grow_your_Own_Polyculture_.html

References

  • https://www.joshobrouwers.com/articles/under-stabiaes-ashes-pliny-elders-life-death-through-nephews-writings/
  • https://www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/apricot/Birds/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_apricot_production
  • https://www.atlasbig.com/en-us/countries-apricot-production
  • https://homeguides.sfgate.com/crosspollination-apricot-tree-60225.html
  • https://www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/apricot/Birds/
  • https://extension.usu.edu/pests/research/backyard-apricot-pests
  • https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/apricot/infos#!
  • https://homeguides.sfgate.com/crosspollination-apricot-tree-60225.html
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apricot

Tuesday, 16 February 2021

Trees with Edible Leaves for Forest Gardens, Permaculture and Regenerative Landscapes

During this post, we're going to take a look at some trees that have edible leaves. Since trees can produce prolific amounts of leaves, there is a great opportunity to access a generous supply of greens, with relatively minimal effort when compared to cultivating annual greens and salad leaves.  

Trees with Edible Leaves 

We include the below species in all of our forest garden and polyculture landscapes and are always on the lookout for new species so if you know of any trees or shrubs with edible leaves please let us know in the comment section below.  So here our four of our favourite trees with edible leaves. 

Linden - Tilia spp.


Tilia is a genus of about 30 species of trees or bushes, native throughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. More commonly referred to as Linden or Lime, this tree is not to be confused with Citrus medica, the tree that produces actual lime fruits. Tilia cordata - Small Leaved Lime and Tilia platyphyllos - Large Leaved Lime are probably the most well known in Europe, although it can be difficult to differentiate between them sometimes as they tend to hybridize, resulting in Tilia vulgaris - Common Lime. Both trees and the hybridized form have edible leaves, in addition to producing a flower that is much valued as a herbal tea.

Tillia in Flower
Tillia sp.

Overview: Lime or Linden tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 45m at a medium rate. This impressive height gives the tree a sense of stature and beauty, making it a good choice for the upper canopy of a forest garden or perfect a s a stand alone ornamental. It is often grown in parks. Beautiful flowers bloom for around 2 weeks between June - July, and for a few days fill the air with their rich scent. Seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife and attracts aphids who deposit their honeydew droppings on the leaves in the summer (an extra treat for the forager!). Prefers moist soil and can tolerate strong winds.

Edibility: Listed on the PFAF website as 5/5. The heart shaped young leaves of the Linden tree are highly edible and are great in salads. They have a mild flavour which is considered better than lettuce, and serve well to bulk out salads.  Flowers not only make a delicious tea, but have medicinal properties too, reportedly soothing anxiety and reducing fever. The sap of the Linden tree is sweet and can be made into a syrup.

Where and When to Harvest:  The leaves are best when eaten young in May, but fortunately because of the tree's suckering nature, young leaves can be found pretty much thoughout the whole summer as the tree puts out new growth on the suckers at the base. Flowers should be harvested a day or 2 after opening when they are at their most potent. Can be spread out on brown paper to dry, ideally in a well ventilated and dark room

Top Tip: Look for the young leaves that are shiny, as these have the best flavour and texture.

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Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna


C. monogyna is a widely known shrub or small tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It's showy, white flowers often bloom on May day, marking the height of springtime in a stunning way. Historically, Hawthorn has an established reputation of being highly effective in regulating blood pressure, and it's an interesting plant to the forager and perhaps somewhat surprisingly, can be a wonderful addition to the edible forest garden.

Edible Fruits of Crataegus sp.
Edible Fruits of Crataegus sp. 

Overview: Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 6m in height at a medium rate. The beautiful flowers have inspired artists for years, and they make an excellent hedging plant, providing valuable food for a variety of insects. Blooms in May an impressive display and the species is hermaphrodite with flies and midges being the main pollinators. Seeds ripen from October to November. Grows in a variety of soil types and can tolerate drought.
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Edibility: Listed on the PFAF website as 3/5. The young leaves of the Hawthorn can be used in salads. They are quite mild but also succulent. May also be dried for tea. Flowers can be added to the salad bowl. Although the berries of the Hawthorn known as 'Haws' are edible and quite tasty, in my opinion it's not worth the effort because there is little flesh in relation to the seed. However, Hawberries are full of pectin and so are very useful to help jams and jellies set. Medicinally, Hawthorn has a reputation as being an excellent 'cardiac' plant.

Where and When to Harvest: The leaves can only really be eaten when they are very young, around the end of April, when still make a perfectly acceptable spring green for salads. Flowers should be harvested freshly when they bloom in early May. The Hawberries can be harvested when fully ripe and ideally after the first frost. They taste a little like apples.

Top Tip: Watch out for the thorns on the branches when you harvest the leaves in spring!.

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Morus alba - White Mullbery

If you are a follower of our work you will know how much we love our Mulberries! For a detailed blog post about Mulberries see here. White Mulberry cultivation has a long and rich history dating back thousands of years ago as a requirement for silkworm rearing. The species is native to northern China and India, and is widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere. The berries are easily recognizable, but a less well known is the fact that the leaves are also edible. 

Morus alba leaves  

Overview: Mulberry is a deciduous tree growing to 18m in height at a medium rate. The tree can take an attractive, rounded form and has excellent polyculture potential as it tolerates light shade. It is in flower in May and the fruit ripens mid - late June in our area.  The species is monoecious and self fertile, although a huge magnet for wildlife, who love to feast on the succulent fruit. Prefers well drained soil and can tolerate drought.

Edibility: Listed on the PFAF website as 4/5. The young leaves and shoots of the Mulberry tree are very edible, but unlike the trees previously profiled they need to be cooked as a vegetable. They can be cooked in a similar way to spinach, wilted down and seasoned with soy sauce for use in a stir fry.  Very rich in carotene and calcium. The leaves can also be stuffed with a rice and spice mixture in the same way as grape leaves.  There are some reports of the bark of Mulberries being used as a thickener in soups. Fruit is simply delicious, and can also be dried.

Morus alba fruits in June

According to Issei Shinagawa from Hong Kong a cup of Mulberry leaf tea a day will turn your grey hairs black as well improve your general health. All fresh leaves are fine to use for the tea. You can simply run your hand down a branch and strip all the leaves, they come off really easily. The leaves can be dried whole or cut into strips. I dried some cut leaves on our kitchen table by a sunny window and they were dry within a day and half.

Morus alba leaves drying for tea
Morus alba leaves drying for tea 

Simply crumble a few leaves into a cup and pour on the hot water and you have a very decent tasting cuppa.

Where and When to Harvest:  The leaves and shoots should be harvested in late April or early May as the tree starts to shoot out. Again, the younger leaves have the best flavor and texture. and it is the tips of that new growth that are good to eat.  Harvest only as far down as the stem can easily be snapped off.

Top Tip: The best mulberry greens are the tips of actively growing shoots from trees that have been cut back, so you could consider maintaining a Mulberry tree in your edible landscape in this way!   

Hardy Rubber Tree - Eucommia ulmoides


 As the name suggests, rubber can in fact be made from this tree but it is not widely used as the extraction process is too complicated to make it economically viable. It's a good urban tree, low maintenance and tolerates air-pollution, but it's also a surprisingly good choice for an edible landscape because it is rather attractive and its leaves are also edible.


Overview:  Hardy Rubber Tree is a deciduous tree growing to 18m in height at a fast rate. Native to China, as the name suggests, it is possible to produce rubber from the sap. The tree is very low maintenance and very attractive with an unusually dark green colour developing in the summer. It is in flower in April and the species is is dioecious. It grows in most soils and prefers full sun/partial shade.

Edibility: Listed on the PFAF website as 1/5 without much information other than the leaves can be eaten.  I couldn't find much information at all about the use of this plant in the kitchen, but we are growing the tree in Aponia, our market garden, and I regularly pick a few leaves as I pass the trees in the garden and the best way I explain the experience is like chewing nettle flavored chewing gum. You can see in the photo below the latex within the leaf tissue that provides a chewy texture to the leaf. 


Where and When to Harvest:  The best time to harvest the leaves for eating is in the early spring when the leaves are emerging. Later in the growing season the leaves toughen up and become more bitter.

Top Tip: If you prune sections of the plant during the growing season it will promote new growth so you can maintain a source of fresh leaves. 

***Take Care when Eating Wild Plants and Plants you are not familiar with***

Although these plants have been used for centuries in the kitchen by some, as with any plants we consume, it's worth doing your own research first. For example, there are some reports of toxicity with Lime flowers and Mulberry leaves, but many people report no issues at all. We have certainly been drinking Lime flower tea for decades with no adverse effects.

Other Woody Perennials with Edible Leaves 


Vitis vinifera -  Grapevine - Most people are familiar with stuffed vine leaves -  'Сарми' in Bulgaria or Dolmades in Greece - a very popular dish here in the Balkans. 




Here are a few more trees and shrubs with edible leaves 




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