Prunus armeniaca Organic Rouge du Roussillon - Apricot Tree

The Organic 'Rouge du Roussillon' Apricot Tree, from Organic Farming, is a famous semi-late flowering variety widely planted in orchards in the south of France. It is self-fertile, vigorous and highly productive. Its fruit is renowned for its unique and pronounced aroma. It is medium-sized, about 5cm (2in) in diameter, round with slight asymmetry. The flesh is orange, firm and melting, sweet and fragrant. Its pasty consistency makes it ideal for jams, compotes or fruit tarts. It should be planted in autumn for a harvest starting from mid-July.

The apricot tree, Prunus armeniaca in Latin, is native to Central and Eastern Asia. It has been cultivated in China for 3,000 years before Christ. The apricot tree we cultivate 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. In 1830, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, a chance seedling gave rise to the 'Rouge du Roussillon' variety. This variety obtained a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in 2016.

Despite its semi-late flowering, which protects it from late winter frosts, the 'Rouge du Roussillon' Apricot Tree is mainly adapted to the south of France. A sunny and warm location, protected from winds and facing south, will improve fruiting. This variety has a semi-erect and semi-spreading habit, indicating a slender tree with a tall base that then spreads out. The foliage is spaced out and some branches have vertical growth, while others have horizontal growth. The leaves are dentate, heart-shaped, and have long petioles. It can reach up to 4m (13ft) in height with a diameter of 3m (10ft). It starts producing at 3 years and reaches full maturity at 7 years. The apricot tree blooms in late March, before the leaves appear. 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. Fruit ripening occurs from mid-July for about two weeks.

The 'Rouge du Roussillon' Apricot Tree 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, tarts, compotes, apricots in syrup, gratins, clafoutis... 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 shipment. They are suitable for all common training sizes: cordons, espaliers, goblets, half-standards, and low standards, except for high standards. If you would like more information or advice on the training of your fruit trees, please do not hesitate to contact us.