Prunus armeniaca Early Saumur Organic - Apricot Tree

The Organic Early Saumur Apricot Tree is a self-fertile variety from Organic Agriculture, hardy and particularly productive. Its fruits, a beautiful orange colour that turns red in the sun, measure 4 to 4.5 cm (2in) in diameter and have a slightly juicy but fine, melting, sweet and deliciously fragrant flesh. They are highly appreciated fresh, but also in pastries or dried. The tree is superb in March-April, covered with abundant light pink flowering. The flowers and young fruits can withstand small frosts of around -3°C (26.6°F). The fruits will be harvested from late June and throughout the month of July. 

The apricot tree, in Latin Prunus armeniaca, is native to Central and Eastern Asia. It has been cultivated in China for 3,000 years before Christ. The apricot tree we cultivate was introduced to the Mediterranean basin from Armenia, hence its name, at the beginning of the Christian era. Its introduction to France took place during the Renaissance. In the 1960s, a chance seedling, discovered following the demolition of a wall, revealed an apricot tree growing on an embankment in the Saumur region.  The Early Saumur Apricot Tree was born.

The Early Saumur Apricot Tree has hardiness that allows it to withstand temperatures as low as -18°C (-0.4°F). However, it should be planted in a sunny location and protected from North and East winds to prevent flower frost at -3.5°C (25.7°F).
Naturally, the apricot tree has a rounded habit, forming a dome. The branches grow in all directions in a regular manner, hiding 2/3 of the trunk height. The leaves are toothed, heart-shaped, and have long petioles. It can reach up to 6m (20ft) in height with a diameter of 4m (13ft). The tree starts producing fruit at 3 years old and becomes fully mature at 7 years old.
The flowering of this apricot tree occurs in March, before the leaves appear. It 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. The fruits will be ripe from late June and during the first weeks of July.
The Early Saumur Apricot Tree is self-fertile. It does not require the presence of another apricot tree for pollination. It will be an excellent pollinator for your cross-pollinating apricot trees.

Apricots are consumed fresh, dried, or prepared in various ways: jams, pies, compotes, apricots in syrup, etc. They are also used in savoury 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 the apricot.

Designed for organic cultivation, the cultivation of the Organic Early Saumur Apricot Tree will achieve better development under certain conditions. To prevent diseases and pests, you will need to:
- Space the trees 6m (20ft) apart in all directions,
- Choose a deep, light, rich, and well-draining soil,
- Avoid planting in an area that has hosted other woody plants or vegetable species such as melon, eggplant, and alfalfa,
- Prune, preferably in a goblet shape to promote ventilation,
- Thin out to prevent disease development on the fruits,
- Add compost in limited quantities in autumn, depending on the richness of your soil,
- Install multi-species hedges (except prunus) and nesting boxes (birds, voles, and bats) to attract beneficial insects.
In case of diseases, it will be necessary to remove and burn the affected parts. Against the most common disease, brown rot, a preparation of plants (nettle, horsetail, fern, etc.) is recommended, although the most effective treatment is Copper, to be used sparingly. Against Sharka and peach leaf curl, there is no treatment available: uprooting and burning is the only solution to prevent transfer to your other trees.

For transportation reasons, our tallest scions may be pruned before shipping. They are suitable for all common training sizes: cordons, espaliers, goblets, half-standards, and low standards, except for high standards. If you would like more information or advice on the training of your fruit trees, please do not hesitate to contact us.