Prunus armeniaca Rouge du Roussillon - Georges Delbard

The 'Late Red' Apricot Tree, or Delbard ‘Delmast’, is a self-fertile variety with late flowering, which allows it to be grown in a large part of the continent. Ripe in August, the highly pigmented apricots have a sweet and juicy flesh with a balanced hint of acidity.

The Apricot Tree is native to Central and Eastern Asia. It has been cultivated in China for 3,000 years before Christ. The one that is cultivated (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.

The 'Late Redæ Apricot Tree. Delbard ‘Delmast’. was selected, as its name indicates, by the Georges Delbard company. It is a recent variety that has the advantage of late and self-fertile flowering. This medium-vigour variety is very floriferous and will bear a large number of fruits, but it will take at least 3 or 4 years to do so. The flowering occurs at the end of March, while the medium to large-sized apricots will be harvested around mid-August. The orange epidermis becomes heavily pigmented with red as the season progresses. Very appetising, it contains a tender, sweet, fragrant, and well-balanced flesh. Most apricot trees are self-fertile, so they do not require the presence of another variety, but cross-pollination is always more effective. A sunny location, protected from winds and facing south, will encourage fruiting. The flowering is carried by the previous year's branches, so pruning should be kept to a minimum.

Apricots are consumed fresh, dried, or prepared in various ways: jams, pies, compotes, apricots in syrup. They can also be found 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.

For transportation purposes, our tallest scions may be pruned before shipping. They are suitable for all common sizes: 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.

This fruit tree is delivered in a “ready-to-plant” root ball. During planting, the root ball should be planted as is. The biodegradable wrap that surrounds the root ball and preserves the rootlets will decompose on its own during the plant's growth. By doing so, you ensure a better recovery.