Prunus armeniaca Doucoeur - Apricot Tree

The Doucoeur Apricot Tree (Prunus armeniaca) is a self-fertile variety that blooms late, in March, making it less susceptible to frost than other varieties. Vigorous and productive, it benefits from quick fruiting and produces numerous and delicious fruits. At ripeness in mid-August, these fruits are medium-sized, 5 cm (2in) in diameter and elliptical in shape. Their orange skin encloses a very sweet and fragrant flesh.

The apricot tree is native to Central and Eastern Asia. It has been cultivated in China since 3,000 BC. The apricot tree we grow (Prunus armeniaca) was introduced to the Mediterranean basin from Armenia, hence its name, at the beginning of the Christian era.

A sunny location protected from winds and facing south will encourage fruiting. This variety has a semi-erect habit, with a slender and tall tree, with spaced foliage and branches that grow vertically. The leaves are dentate, heart-shaped, and have long petioles. It can reach up to 4 m (13ft) in height with a diameter of 2 m (7ft). It begins to produce at 3 years old and reaches full maturity at 7 years old.

The flowering of this Apricot Tree occurs in March, before the leaves appear. The flowering is carried by the previous year's branches. The flower has 5 pink petals and purple sepals. It is fragrant but lasts only a short time. Semi-early, fruiting will reach ripeness from June onwards. 
The Doucoeur Apricot Tree is self-fertile, so it does not require the presence of another apricot tree for pollination.

Apricots can be consumed fresh, dried, or prepared in various ways such as jams, pies, compotes, and apricots in syrup. They can also be found in savory dishes such as rabbit with apricots and parsnips, an English recipe. Apricot juice is often mixed with a touch of peach juice to balance the natural acidity of apricots.

For transport reasons, our tallest scions may be pruned before shipment. They are suitable for all common pruning forms: cordons, espaliers, goblets, half-stands, and low-stemmed trees, except for high-stemmed trees. If you would like more information or advice on training your fruit trees, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The varieties delivered in 'ready-to-plant' root balls should be planted as is. The biodegradable tontine surrounding the root ball and preserving the rootlets will decompose on its own during the plant's growth. By doing so, you ensure better establishment.