Factors Affecting the Timing of Plucking Apricot Leaves
Weather
Weather plays a crucial role in plucking apricot leaves. If there is warm sunshine and dry conditions, the ideal time to pluck leaves will be in the last few days of the twelfth month. On the other hand, if there is frequent rain or the temperature drops too low, consider plucking the leaves earlier to ensure the healthy growth of the apricot tree.
Flower Buds
For the five-petaled apricot variety, when the flower buds are still small (known as ‘kim’ buds), pluck the leaves around the 13th-14th of the twelfth month. If the buds have grown larger, you can adjust the plucking time to the 16th-17th to ensure the buds bloom in time for Tet.
Apricot Variety
Each apricot variety has a different blooming time. The five-petaled apricot usually blooms faster than multi-petaled varieties. Therefore, apricot trees with more petals will require earlier leaf plucking, typically around the 9th-10th of the twelfth month.
What Steps Should You Take After Plucking Apricot Leaves to Ensure Blooming for Tet Holiday?
Monitor the Weather
Leaf plucking is just the beginning; pay close attention to the weather and adjust your apricot tree care routine accordingly. If the weather becomes too hot, reduce watering to prevent early blooming. Simultaneously, add organic fertilizer to encourage robust growth.
Apply Fertilizer
On the 23rd of the twelfth month, if the flowers have started to form buds, switch to using NPK 6-30-30 fertilizer. This type of fertilizer will help the flowers bloom beautifully and maintain their longevity. During this phase, the nutrients will support the apricot flowers in achieving bright and vibrant colors.
Pest Control
Don’t forget that apricot trees can be susceptible to various pests, especially when the flower buds are developing. Monitor for pests and spray insecticides when necessary to ensure the healthy growth of your apricot flowers without any damage.
An Important Note on Caring for Apricot Trees to Ensure Blooming for Tet Holiday
– If flowers bloom early: In case of early blooming due to unusual weather, move the apricot tree to a shaded area, reduce watering, and trim some of the feeder roots to slow down flowering. If early blooming has already occurred, watering with cold water or using ice can also be helpful in hindering flower development.
– If flowers bloom late: When the apricot tree fails to bloom in time for Tet, intensify care by applying NPK fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium, watering the roots with warm water, or spraying with ‘mam hoa vang’ (a growth stimulant). These measures will encourage blooming in time for the holiday.