Prunus armeniaca Early Saumur - Apricot Tree

The 'Précoce de Saumur' Apricot Tree is a self-fertile variety, hardy and highly productive. Its orange fruits, red in the sun, measuring 4 to 4.5 cm (2in) in diameter, have a slightly juicy but fine, melting, sweet and deliciously fragrant flesh. They are highly appreciated fresh, but also in pastries or dried. Thanks to the early ripening of this variety, the fruits can be harvested from late June and throughout the month of July. This variety is well suited to the Central and Northern regions of continental Europe.

The apricot tree is native to Central and Eastern Asia. It has been cultivated in China for 3,000 years before Christ. 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. It was introduced to France during the Renaissance. In the 1960s, a chance sowing, due to the construction of a wall, revealed an apricot tree growing on an embankment in the Saumur region. The fertility and productivity of this tree caught the attention of nurserymen, who then cultivated and developed it in Maine-et-Loire and Touraine. The 'Précoce de Saumur' Apricot Tree was born.

The 'Précoce de Saumur' Apricot Tree is adapted to the climate of the Northern parts of the continent. Its hardiness allows it to withstand temperatures as low as -18°C (-0.4°F). However, it should still be planted in a sunny location and protected from North and East winds to prevent flower frost at -2°C (28.4°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 dentate, heart-shaped, and have a long petiole. It can reach up to 6m (20ft) in height with a diameter of 4m (13ft). It starts producing at 3 years old and becomes fully mature at 7 years old.

The flowering of the apricot tree occurs in March, before the appearance of the leaves. It is early, despite its sensitivity to frost. 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. This will result in the ripening of the fruits from late June and during the first weeks of July. The 'Précoce de Saumur' Apricot Tree is self-fertile. Therefore, 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: jams, pies, compotes, apricots in syrup etc. They are also found in savoury dishes, such as rabbit with apricots and parsnips, an English recipe. Apricot juices are advantageously mixed with a touch of peach juice to balance the natural acidity of the apricot.