Prunus armeniaca – ‘Moorpark’ Apricot

General Information: A delicious cold-hardy fruit guaranteed to lighten up any home space. Apricots have a similar flavor profile to Peaches, and although the fruits are smaller, they tend to be more numerous on the tree. The pinkish white blossoms emerge very early in the spring, followed by a full flush of lance-shaped leaves throughout the growing season. Fruits ripen typically in summer, and the leaves put out a dazzling display of red and orange during the fall. Apricots are typically considered a fast-growing tree and can tack on 1-2 feet of growth per year until reaching their mature height. Give these plants plenty of room to grow and reap the bountiful harvests they offer!

Edible Qualities: Apricots are delicious when enjoyed fresh. They are versatile and have a long history of cultural uses. They are often found commercially pitted and dried, which can be accomplished by laying out recently harvested fruits on a tarp and allowing them to dry in the sun. In wet and humid regions, a dehydrator may be necessary, as sun drying typically takes 3-6 days under ideal dry conditions. Try Apricots as a substitute or additive for dishes that call for fresh Peaches! The ‘Moorpark’ cultivar is known for combining fruit size with sweetness and is typically considered the largest-fruiting and sweetest of all cultivars. The adventurous grower may also be interested in the edible resins which Apricot trees produce when wounded. A gum-like somewhat sweet substance is emitted from the wounded bark which has a history of use in Asian cuisine. Sap collections should be taken with a clean cut and sealed with wax or pruning sealer after the sap is collected. Wounds may lead to tree disease and should only be attempted by experienced growers. Sap wounds appear similar to, but should not be confused with damage from borer beetles or a fungal infection known as gummosis, as these conditions indicate serious problems with a tree.

Cultivation Details: This variety of Apricot is self-fertile. Only one plant is required to produce fruit. These trees are grafted, meaning that they are genetically identical to one another, so they are guaranteed to carry all the classic ‘Moorpark’ flavor and size characteristics and produce fruit much quicker than seed-grown varieties. These trees will begin fruiting 3-5 years after planting. Consider ‘Moorpark’ as a specimen tree, a backyard fruit tree, or for pollenizing other Apricot varieties. Apricots grow well with other stone fruits such as Peaches, Cherries, and Plums. Since they are all closely related and sometimes hybridize, planting along with other stone fruits may increase yields. Apricot flowers and fruit yields are susceptible to damage from Spring frosts. Plants in colder regions with variable spring weather patterns should be planted in sheltered areas. Frost protection, such as greenhouse plastic or row covers, may be applied to trees during frosty weather to reduce damage. In summer, trees may also require netting to reduce herbivore pressure from birds and squirrels. Plants tolerate pruning well. Apricot wood is strong and versatile and has a long history of use in situations where durability is required. Several fungal pathogens are known to affect Apricots, usually due to poorly draining soil. Fungal diseases can also be transmitted by other diseased stone fruit trees. For best results, plant in a dry site in a sheltered position and treat or eliminate any nearby diseased stone fruit trees.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established, however plants may drop their buds or fruits prematurely during severe droughts. Does not tolerate clay soils. Suitable for mildly acidic and neutral soils.

Fun Facts: Apricots are native to China, however the cultivar ‘Moorpark’ was developed in England. The original ‘Moorpark’ Apricot was planted on the Moor Park estate of Lord Anson in Herefordshire some time before 1688.