Apricots
Apricots can be grown as a bush tree in warm, sheltered areas, in other areas
the apricot is best grown as a fan-trained tree on a south facing or a west
facing wall.
Apricots can flower as early as February, therefore they require protection
from strong winds and early frosts. Apricots are grown best in deep, slightly
alkaline soils but will tolerate a wide range of well-drained soils (pH 6.5-7.5)
Rootstocks
Rootstocks in order of their vigour are outlined below: -
Torinel - Dwarf. An
ideal rootstock for the smaller garden. It needs to be grown in fertile and
weed-free soil. It will reach a height of 2.4-3m. Trees grown on this rootstock
will bear fruit within 3 years. Use for dwarf bushes, dwarf pyramids, and small
fans.
St. Julian A - Semi-Vigorous.
A good rootstock for most soils. Trees grown on this rootstock will reach a
height of 3-3.5m. Trees grown on this rootstock will bear fruit within 4-5
years. Use for bushes, half-standards, and fans.
Varieties
Apricots are available as bare-root one-year-maidens from November to March.
Trained forms of apricots are available in 12 litre pots all-year-round.
Apricot ‘Alfred’
Dessert. This is a hardy and successful variety for our climate. Less prone
to die-back than other varieties. Its season of use is early August.(USA) Self
Fertile
Apricot ‘Early Moorpark’
Dessert. The fruits are medium to large, The skin is pale yellow with an
orange blush. The deep reddish-orange flesh is very juicy. Its season of use is
early August. (Hertfordshire 18th Century). Self Fertile
Apricot ‘Flavorcot’
Dessert. Similar to Tomcot for size and quality. Its season of use is late
July. (France). Self Fertile
Apricot ‘Goldcot’
Dessert. A reliable modern variety which is quite vigorous and healthy and
produces regular crops of good sized fruit. The fruits are medium to large,
golden yellow with quite a thick skin which allows them to be stored
successfully in a fridge for some weeks. Its season of use is early August.
(USA) Self Fertile
Apricot ‘Golden Glow’
Dessert. A very hardy variety which crops and performs well as a free
standing tree or trained on walls where spring frosts can be avoided. Its season
of use is early August.(Worcestershire 1985) Self Fertile
Apricot ‘Tomcot’
Dessert. A reliable variety which produces masses of flower and very large
fruits which have a strong red blush on an orange background. Its season of use
is late July. (France). Self Fertile
Bare Root Trees
One Year Maiden Torinel/SJA £31.75 each
