A: We would discourage you from trying to propagate and grow apricots from the seeds you purchased in the local grocery store. These seeds are often hybrids and are generally not suited for our warm climate. Most of the apricots produced in the United States come from California. Some historians believe the original apricots came from northeastern China near the Russian border.Apricots, like other stone fruits, need a period of time when they are exposed to cold temperatures. Most often we do not have enough long, cold periods to produce good peaches, apricots and cherries, which are all examples of stone fruits. Research is ongoing with a variety of apricot species from Thailand that have shown to possess some potential to grow and reproduce here in Florida, however the research is still in the early stages. We currently have a few peach varieties that will grow in our area such as Flordadawn or Flordaking. For more information check out the University of Florida’s publication titled: “Deciduous Fruit for North Florida”.

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