Okay, here’s my experience about planting a ‘Cot-N-Candy’ apricot tree:
So, I decided it was time to get some fruit trees in my backyard. After some digging around, I figured an apricot tree would be a good start. I heard about this “Cot-N-Candy” variety that’s supposed to be super sweet. Sounded good to me!

First off, I did some research to make sure my place could even handle an apricot tree. Turns out, they like places with a good amount of sunshine and not too much cold. They say it can handle even down to zone 6, that’s pretty cold, so I knew I was good. Checked my local nursery, and yep, they had the ‘Cot-N-Candy’.
Next, I picked a spot in my yard that gets plenty of sun. I dug a hole about twice as wide as the pot the tree came in, and not too deep – you don’t want to bury it alive! I loosened up the soil at the bottom of the hole to help the roots spread out. That took some time and it was a bit tiring, but I really did it.
Then came the moment I took the tree out of its pot. I was careful not to mess up the roots too much. I placed it in the hole, making sure it was standing straight. I filled the hole back up with dirt, patted it down gently, and gave it a good watering. It looked so good and I was so happy.
I’ve heard these trees can get hit by something called “Eutypa dieback,” so I’m keeping an eye out for that. It’s some kind of disease that can mess up apricot and cherry trees. Hopefully, it won’t be a problem, but better safe than sorry.
I also read that they need pruning. Apparently, you can keep them to about 10 feet tall if you do it right. I’m no expert, but I’m willing to give it a shot. And from what I gather, even though ‘Cot-N-Candy’ is self-fertile, having another apricot tree around might help with pollination. I am thinking about that.
They say it takes a few years for these trees to start producing fruit. The ‘Cot-N-Candy’ is supposed to ripen in late June or early July. I can hardly wait to taste those sweet apricots. Some folks say they’re the best tasting ones out there. I really hope so. I can just picture myself canning them or using them in baking. I’ll be like a squirrel, stashing them away for the winter! Man, they must be delicious.
- Choosing the Tree:
- Researched apricot tree varieties.
- Settled on ‘Cot-N-Candy’ for its sweet flavor.
- Confirmed it’s suitable for my climate zone.
- Bought the tree from a local nursery.
- Planting the Tree:
- Selected a sunny spot in the yard.
- Dug a hole twice as wide as the tree’s pot.
- Loosened the soil at the bottom of the hole.
- Carefully removed the tree from its pot.
- Placed the tree in the hole and backfilled with soil.
- Watered the tree thoroughly.
- Ongoing Care:
- Monitoring for signs of Eutypa dieback.
- Planning to prune the tree to maintain its size.
- Considering planting another apricot tree for better pollination.
- Future Expectations:
- Anticipating the first harvest in a few years.
- Looking forward to late June/early July ripening.
- Excited about the sweet flavor of the ‘Cot-N-Candy’ apricots.
- Planning to use the fruit for canning and baking.
So, that’s where I’m at with my ‘Cot-N-Candy’ apricot tree adventure. It’s a bit of work, but I think it’ll be worth it. Fingers crossed for a big, juicy harvest in a few years!