Prunus armeniaca Late Naked Bordaneil - Apricot Tree

The Prunus armeniaca Late Bordaneil is one of the latest varieties of apricot. It is therefore a fruit tree well adapted to cold areas where late frosts are frequent. A tree of fairly compact size, it produces large orange and red fruits with firm, sweet, and juicy flesh in August. It needs to be planted in the sun, but tolerates most soil types, even limestone, provided they are well-drained. This variety is self-fertile and therefore does not require the planting of another variety to produce its fruits.

The apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca in Latin) is native to China, where it has been cultivated for two millennia. It was then introduced to the Mediterranean basin from Armenia, hence its name. It was named in 1753 by the great botanist and naturalist, Carl von Linné. Similar to many other fruit trees (apple, pear, plum and cherry) and to numerous ornamental plants, including the queen of flowers, the rose, the apricot tree is a member of the large Rosaceae family.  but also numerous ornamental plants, including of course the queen of flowers, the rose... The Late Bordaneil apricot tree variety comes from a seed found in the Eastern Pyrenees. Flowering in April, it is one of the latest flowering varieties, which generally allows it to escape the last frosts in cold climates. With a hardiness of about -15°C, the apricot tree is well adapted to suit more northern climates  It forms a medium-sized tree, approximately 5 m (16.4 ft) high and 3 m (9.8 ft) wide. Tolerant of most soil types, it even grows in limestone conditions. It prefers some humidity, provided that the soil drains sufficiently in winter, but is also quite resistant to dry conditions. The apricot tree has a rounded dome-shaped growth habit, with the branches growing in all directions, and hiding 2/3 of the trunk's height. The glossy green leaves are dentate, heart-shaped, and have a long petiole.

The flowering of the Late Bordaneil apricot tree sometimes appears in March, but more often in April in cold regions. It is carried by the previous year's branches. The flower has 5 petals, slightly pinkish-white, and produces ovoid-shaped fruits, large to very large in size, and reaches ripeness late in the season, in August. The fruits are very sweet and juicy, with firm and fragrant flesh. The skin is orange, with a wide red area on the sunny side. This variety is self-fertile and therefore does not require the presence of another apricot tree for pollination.

Apricots are consumed fresh, dried, or prepared: jams, tarts, compotes, apricots in syrup. They are also found in savory dishes, such as rabbit with apricots and parsnips, an English recipe. Apricot juices are advantageously mixed with a touch of peach juice to counteract the natural acidity of the apricot.

The Late Bordaneil apricot tree can be the main focus of an orchard in cold climates, together with a Prunier Quetsche d'Alsace whose fruits ripen in September, extending the harvesting period. And to further extend the year, a Kaki 'Fuyu' will delight you with its vitamin C-rich fruits from October onwards.