Prunus armeniaca Muscat de Nancy - Organic Apricot Tree

The 'Muscat de Nancy' Apricot Tree from Organic Agriculture is a self-fertile variety, hardy, resistant to brown rot, and suitable for cultivation in hot regions such as the south of France. It is of good taste quality, with fruits measuring approximately 5cm (2in) in diameter and oval in shape. They are delicious fresh, preserved, and in tarts. The skin, orange with red speckles in the sun, protects a soft, fine, melting, juicy, sweet, and pleasantly musky flesh. When cooked, the fruit fully reveals its muscat flavors. The flesh easily separates from the stone. Harvesting begins in mid-July. Planting should be done in autumn or early winter.

The apricot tree is native to Central and Eastern Asia. It has been cultivated in China since 3,000 BC. The apricot tree we cultivate (Prunus armeniaca) 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 1745, in Pézenas, an amateur discovered a chance seedling. Finding the tree very beautiful, he grafted it in Montceau. The professionals of that time soon developed this variety, recognizing its good potential.

The 'Muscat de Nancy' Apricot Tree is resistant to cold temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). It is suitable for Mediterranean, oceanic, and continental regions. This variety has a semi-erect habit, which means it has a slender and tall tree with vertically growing branches, giving it a very elegant silhouette. The leaves are toothed, heart-shaped, and have long petioles. It can reach up to 7m (23ft) in height with a diameter of 5m (16ft). It starts producing at 3 years old and becomes fully mature at 7 years old.
The apricot tree blooms in mid-March, before the appearance of the leaves. 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. The 'Muscat de Nancy' Apricot Tree is self-fertile, so it does not require the presence of another apricot tree for pollination. Fruit ripening occurs from mid-July and lasts for about two weeks.

Apricots can be consumed fresh, dried, or prepared in various ways: jams, tarts, 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 apricots.

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