Prunus armeniaca Hungarian Best - Apricot Tree

The Prunus armeniaca 'Hungarian Best' is an old variety known for producing some of the best apricots of all. This small, hardy tree produces fairly large fruits in July, beautifully coloured in orange-red and yellow. Their tender flesh is very aromatic, juicy, and sweet. This apricot tree forms a small tree that will easily find a  place in the garden, especially since it is self-fertile and therefore does not require another specimen to ensure pollination. It thrives in most well-drained soils, particularly calcareous ones. A sunny position sheltered from the wind is important for it to thrive.

The Apricot tree is a member of the very important Rosaceae family, which houses most of our temperate climate fruit trees (Apple tree, Plum tree...), many wild plants from the countryside and forests (Burnet, Wild Strawberry...) and countless ornamental plants that populate parks and gardens (Service tree, Aronia, Roses...). The genus Prunus is rich in over 300 species of trees and bushes, whether fruit-bearing or ornamental, or even both at the same time, with many fruit trees, like the Apricot tree, also having decorative blossom. Prunus armeniaca derives its species name from the belief of the Romans that it originated from Armenia. In reality, the species comes from the mountains of Central Asia (from Persia to Manchuria, passing through the Himalayas). Cultivated in China as early as the 3rd millennium BC, and then in Rome.
'Hungarian Best' is an old French variety, obtained in 1920 by Mrs. Bergeron. This apricot tree forms a small tree with an open, slightly spreading habit, reaching 4 to 5 m in height and 3 to 4 m in spread at maturity. The variety is self-fertile, capable of self-pollination in the absence of another tree nearby, which is an advantage (in addition to its compactness) for small gardens. The branches bear leaves of a beautiful bright green, ovate and almost heart-shaped. In March-April, depending on the climate, small, slightly pinkish white flowers of about 2.5 cm in diameter appear. Consequently, the tree is sensitive to late frosts that can destroy any hope of harvest. On the other hand, the tree itself is quite hardy, down to -20°C or even less in very good growing conditions, that is to say, in sunlight and well-drained soil. The medium to large fruits primarily ripen in July, they are pleasant to the eye, with their beautiful yellow-orange colour turning red on the sun-exposed side, and even more so to the taste! Delicious and very aromatic, they offer tender and sweet flesh, with a slight tang that enhances the flavour. These juicy fruits can be eaten fresh or as a dessert, made into delicious tarts or jams that extend the pleasure of tasting until winter. They can also be incorporated into savoury dishes, such as rabbit with apricots and parsnips, an English recipe.

The Apricot tree 'Hungarian Best' will find its place in small gardens and delight fruit enthusiasts. To create a small orchard in a restricted space, plant alongside it a Columnar Cherry 'Shanghai' which does not exceed 60 cm in width, while producing succulent dark red cherries. It is also a self-fertile variety that can stand on its own to bear fruit. To stagger the harvest season, consider the small Dwarf Pear 'Garden Gem', with fruits as large as classic varieties. In September and October, you will harvest beautiful pears with melting and sweet flesh. The small fruits are also a blessing for small gardens; currants, blackcurrants, and raspberries will offer you different and equally delightful flavours.