Prunus armeniaca Polonais - Organic Apricot Tree

The 'Polish' Apricot from Organic Agriculture, sometimes called Provence Orange, is a self-fertile variety and productive in its growing areas: Northeast regions, Rhône Valley, Ventoux, Nyons. This variety is very cold resistant and has good disease tolerance. Its fruits are medium-sized, measuring 4 to 4.5cm (2in) in diameter and weighing 40 to 60g, with an oblong shape. Their skin is orange, with red markings. The base sometimes remains green even when ripe. The flesh is of very good quality: fine and melting, juicy and perfectly flavorful, with a slightly acidic taste. The fruits can be eaten fresh, preserved in syrup, or made into jam. Harvest takes place at ripeness, during the first week of July. Planting is done in November.

The apricot tree is native to Central and Eastern Asia. It has been cultivated in China since 3000 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. The 'Polish' Apricot is a very old variety, whose name probably comes from the Polish king Stanislas 1st Leszczynoski, Duke of Lorraine, a great enthusiast of this variety. Its first registration dates back to 1961.

Thanks to a semi-late flowering that protects it from late winter frosts, the 'Polish' Apricot is adapted to colder regions. It can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). A sunny location, protected from winds and facing south, will still improve fruiting. It only produces abundant crops in its growing areas: Northeast regions, Rhône Valley, Ventoux, Nyons. It is not suitable for Mediterranean climates.
This variety has a semi-erect to semi-spreading habit, with a slender and tall tree, with spaced foliage, and branches that grow vertically for some and horizontally for others. The leaves are toothed, heart-shaped, and have long petioles. It can reach a height of up to 6m (20ft) with a diameter of 4m (13ft). It starts producing at 3 years old and becomes fully mature at 7 years old.

The apricot tree blooms in late March, before the appearance of leaves. The flowering occurs on the previous year's branches. The flower has 5 pink petals and purple sepals. It is fragrant but lasts only a short time. Fruit ripening occurs in early July.

The 'Polish Apricot' is self-fertile. It does not require the presence of another apricot tree for pollination.

Apricots are consumed fresh, dried, or prepared in various ways: jams, pies, compotes, canned in syrup... They are also used in savoury dishes, such as rabbit with apricots and parsnips, an English recipe. Apricot juices are often mixed with a touch of peach juice to balance the natural acidity of the apricot.

For transportation reasons, our tallest scions may be pruned before shipping. 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.