Prunus armeniaca Flavor Cot - Apricot Tree

Prunus armeniaca Flavorcot is a self-fertile and highly productive variety. This semi-late variety produces deep orange fruits, approximately 4cm (2in) in diameter. Their flesh is firm and tasty with a powerful aroma. Their taste is musky with a hint of pear. This variety delivers an early harvest, around June 20th. The fruits store well after harvest. 

The apricot tree is native to Central and Eastern Asia. It has been cultivated in China for 3,000 years. Prunus armeniaca was introduced from Armenia (hence its name) at the beginning of the Christian era. In 1999, Tom Toyana patented the creation of Flavorcot, which he developed at the Washington State University Research Foundation in Prosser.

Its semi-late flowering protects it from late winter frosts, making it ideal for cool regions. It can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). A sunny, south-facing position, sheltered from the wind, is necessary for fruiting.

This variety has a semi-erect habit, which means it has a slender trunk topped with branches that mainly grow horizontally, giving the foliage a natural openness. The leaves are dentate and heart-shaped with long petioles. It can reach a height of up to 4m (13ft) with a diameter of 3m (10ft). It starts producing at 3 years old and reaches full maturity at 7 years old.

Abundant flowering occurs in mid-March, before the leaves appear. The flowers are borne on the previous year's branches. The flower has 5 pink petals and purple sepals. It is fragrant but only lasts for a short time. Fruit ripening occurs from the second half of June for about two weeks.

It is a self-fertile variety that does not require the presence of another apricot tree for pollination.

Apricots are consumed fresh or dried. They can be used in jams, tarts, and compotes, or preserved in syrup. They are also found in savoury dishes. Apricot juice is often mixed with a touch of peach juice to balance the natural acidity of the apricot.