Question
I have 3 apricot seeds that mean a great deal to my family. They were acquired during a family vacation.  I want to start trees from these seeds as a reminder of our trip.  How do I start the seed to tree process to best ensure a successful planting?

Answer
Hi Curt,
Thanx for your question.  I have previously answered this question.  In the future, if you use the search function or browse past answers, you may be able to get an answer quicker.  

Here is the answer to your question.

Most fruit bought in grocery stores or farmers markets come from hybrids.  Growing the seeds from these fruit will probably not result in fruit similar to what you bought because of hybridization.  Fruiting can taking from 5-7 years.  With all of that said, you can plant the seeds 1 inch deep in a pot of good potting soil and leave the pot outdoors for the winter making sure it is frequently watered.  The seeds should sprout in the spring.  The other way is to place the seeds wrapped inside a damp paper towel and seal it in a plastic baggie and place in the fridge for 60-90 days.  After that, plant in a pot of good potting soil as previously described but keep in a warm area (70-70F) and sprouting will take place over several months.  After the seedlings have their second set of true leaves (not the first set of seed leaves which are evidenced after germination) you can gently prick out the seedlings and pot them up separately for preparatin for planting out doors.  The process in both scenarios is called vernaliztion and also is known as stratification, cold-stratification or cold treatment.  The seeds of most pit fruit require a cold period (40 degrees minimum) to break dormancy.  Once it warms up after 60-90 days, the seed will germinate.  I hope this helps.
Tom