Moorpark Apricot Tree

Name: Moorpark Apricot Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 23414
Price: 128.41 USD
Availability: InStock

Prunus armeniaca 'Moorpark'

Nature Hills Nursery

$128⁴¹

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container 3-4 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant your Moorpark Apricot in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can survive in partial shade, full sun is essential for developing the high sugar content that gives this variety its legendary honey-sweet flavor.
Soil: These trees prefer deep, loamy soil that drains well, as they hate having "wet feet" which can lead to root rot. If you have heavy clay, plant in a raised mound or add organic compost to improve drainage and keep the root system breathing.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to ensure the root system anchors deeply. Once established, the Moorpark is moderately drought-tolerant, but inconsistent watering during fruit development can cause the apricots to drop prematurely or split. Aim for deep, infrequent soakings rather than light daily sprinkles to encourage a robust and resilient root architecture.

Pruning Tips

Moorpark Apricots bloom on wood that is two to four years old, so your goal is to maintain a steady supply of young fruiting spurs. Prune in late winter or early spring before the buds break, using an open-center or "vase" shape to allow light and air into the middle of the canopy. Think of this like opening a window; better airflow reduces the risk of fungal diseases and ensures every piece of fruit gets enough sun to ripen properly.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring just as the new growth begins to appear. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages a flush of soft, green growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season growth acts like an open invitation for winter kill and can significantly weaken the tree’s overall structure.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Juicy Heritage Variety Moorpark Apricot Tree

Late Season
600 Chill Hours
Consistent Producer
Fruit Ripens in Stages for Long Period of Fresh Harvest
Large, Yellow-Skinned Fruit Features Pretty Red Blush
Succulent, Aromatic Flesh
Wonderful for Fresh Eating, Dried and Canned
Juicy Fruit with Extraordinarily Rich Flavor
Beautiful Spring Flowers Bloom Pale Pink
Blooms a Bit Later Than Others to Resist Late Spring Frosts
Performs Well in Rainy Spring Climates
Self-Pollinating, but Add Another Apricot Tree to Increase Harvest Yield

It's time for Edible Gardening! People are buying fruiting trees for their landscapes in record numbers. And no wonder, with the exceptional flavor and beauty of Moorpark Apricot Tree (Prunus armeniaca 'Moorpark').

These heritage trees are beloved for their exquisite flavor. Known as one of the best for fresh eating, canning or drying, Moorpark also has a very useful feature.

Not all of the fruit ripens at the same time. You can enjoy tree-ripe fruit for several weeks with a long season of harvest.

Add another variety to increase the overall size of your crop from both trees. Pollination partners help boost your production.

With Apricot trees, you'll also enjoy a fabulous flowering display in spring. Moorpark is a good choice for cold, rainy springtimes. The blooms come on a bit later, which is a great way to beat any late frosts.

This is a consistent variety of large fruit that has plenty of eye appeal. You'll enjoy the floral aroma, as well.

Moorpark has a juicy sweet flavor and resembles a small, yellow peach. It has deep orange flesh and skin with a smooth, golden-yellow, orange blush.

It's wonderful for drying, used in baked desserts, special homemade preserves and canned. Of course, you'll eat your fill of excellent apricots fresh, right off the tree!

This tree has been cherished since the 1600's. One taste of a Moorpark from your very own tree will make you understand why Lord Anson from Moor Park took such pride in his own harvest.

Why not choose this year to make Moorpark Apricot a part of your own private orchard? Order today!

How to Use Moorpark Apricot Tree in the Landscape

Edible plants that are as ornamental as this stunning variety should be used as a focus point in your landscape. You'll love the fragrant spring color, and the glowing oval fruits in the summertime.

Add in a mulched bed behind your patio seating to allow it to serve dual purposes. The lush, heart-shaped leaves give a little privacy, too.

Yes, you can use fruiting trees in your front yard. Plant this beauty front and center.

You might get a curious neighbor or two, but they'll understand your choice if you share a bit of your bounty with them. Edible Landscaping—even in a small space—is an enduring trend.

There are two ways you can keep this tree. Allow it to achieve its full size, height and spread to use as a specimen tree.

You can also keep them smaller with simple summer pruning for size control. Try a hedgerow of several varieties along the length of your fence line. Plant them as close as 5 feet apart on center, measuring from the center of one to the center of the next.

Add varieties that ripen at different points along the season. You'll love having fresh fruit over a long period of time.

Or, create a mini-orchard for your backyard. Choose Nectarines, Cherries, Apples, you name it! Be sure to add smaller fruit shrubs as a low hedge or in containers. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Plant Apricot trees in a full sun location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Ensure it also has adequate room for good air circulation.

No low-lying spots for Moorpark, please. Poor air drainage traps cold air, and can damage spring blooms.

Moorpark will perform best in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. If you need to improve the soil drainage, simply create a raised planting bed or mound dirt to 18 inches and 3 feet wide. Plant in that mound.

Provide a medium amount of water on a regular basis. This is especially important during fruit production.

Keep your trees happy by applying a 3 inch layer of mulch to keep the root system nice and moist. Spread it out to 3 feet past the canopy.

Be sure to pull the mulch back from the trunk by several inches. Apricots need good air circulation.

In spring after bud break, prune Apricots to remove crossing branches. The goal is to eliminate vertical branches to allow for more sunlight and air into the canopy.

Thin young fruit to one apricot every 4 inches early on. You'll get bigger, better apricots with this small task.

Prune for size control in summer. Sculpt fruit trees to keep them under 8 feet for ease of harvest, spraying and netting.

Attractive Moorpark Apricots have incredible flavor, and consistent productivity. You can use the fruit for all-purposes. Please order quickly, as we will sell out of this marvelous, time-tested variety.

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 3-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the sunlight and soil requirements for planting a Moorpark Apricot Tree?

Moorpark Apricot Trees thrive in full sun with well-draining soil. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Plant in an area with good air circulation to prevent fungal issues, especially since this variety performs well in rainy spring climates.

How should I prune a Moorpark Apricot Tree to avoid removing blooms?

Prune your Moorpark Apricot in late winter before buds swell, since it blooms later than other apricots to avoid spring frosts. Focus on removing dead, crossing, or overcrowded branches while preserving flowering spurs. Shop at Nature Hills for quality Moorpark trees that reward proper pruning with consistent harvests.

What pests and diseases commonly affect the Moorpark Apricot Tree, and how can I prevent them?

Moorpark Apricot Trees are susceptible to brown rot, bacterial canker, and aphids, with their late bloom timing helping avoid some frost-related disease issues. Plant in well-draining soil with good air circulation, apply dormant oil in winter for pest control, and prune annually to maintain tree health and prevent disease buildup.

How large is the tree when shipped, and what is the rootstock type?

Moorpark Apricot trees are typically shipped as 1-2 year old grafted specimens, usually 3-5 feet tall. The rootstock type varies by region but is commonly grafted onto hardy peach or plum rootstock for cold tolerance. Choose a sunny, well-draining location for planting.

Why isn't my young Moorpark Apricot Tree flowering or fruiting?

Young apricot trees typically need 3-4 years to mature before flowering and fruiting begins. Your Moorpark also requires 600 chill hours below 45°F during winter dormancy to set fruit properly. Be patient and ensure adequate winter chilling - mature trees available at naturehills.com will reward you with decades of harvests.

What fertilizer or soil amendments does the Moorpark Apricot Tree need?

Moorpark Apricot Trees thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Apply balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring before bud break, then again after harvest. Add compost annually to improve soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients throughout the growing season.