Prunus armeniaca Peche de Nancy - Apricot Tree

Prunus armeniaca Nancy Peach is an old variety of apricot tree that is interesting for its hardiness. Highly resistant to cold as long as it is planted in well-draining soil. It can tolerate most soils, even limestone, and produces large orange fruits with red speckles in August. Sweet and juicy, their flesh is fine and fragrant. A very good variety for cold climates.

The apricot tree (Latin name Prunus armeniaca) originates from China, where it has been cultivated for two millennia. It was then introduced to the Mediterranean basin from Armenia, hence its name. It was named in 1753 by the great botanist and naturalist Carl von Linné. It is a member of the large Rosaceae family, like many other fruit trees: apple, pear, plum, cherry...

The variety Nancy Peach was obtained in Lorraine at the beginning of the 18th century. This old variety owes its excellent hardiness, down to -15°C or even -20°C, to its geographical origin and well-drained soil in a slightly sheltered location. It forms a medium-sized tree, reaching a height of about 6m (20ft) with a spread of 4m (13ft). It is tolerant of different soil types, even growing in limestone conditions. It prefers some moisture, as long as the soil drains well in winter, but it also withstands dry conditions quite well. Naturally, the Apricot tree has a rounded habit, forming a dome shape. The branches grow in all directions in a regular manner, hiding two-thirds of the trunk's height. The glossy green leaves are toothed, heart-shaped, and have long petioles.
The flowering of the Nancy Peach Apricot tree, which occurs in March, is early, so it may be damaged by frost. It is carried by the previous year's branches. The flower has 5 slightly pinkish-white petals and produces oval-shaped, large-sized fruits that ripen late in the season, in August. They are very sweet and juicy, with fine and fragrant flesh. The skin is orange, with small red spots on the sunny side.
The Nancy Peach Apricot tree is highly productive (30 to 50 kg per tree). It is self-fertile, so it does not require the presence of another apricot tree for pollination, but its production will be more consistent if planted alongside 'Bergeron' or 'Rouge du Roussillon'.

Apricots can be consumed fresh, dried, or prepared in various ways: jams, pies, compotes, canned in syrup, etc. They can also be found in savory 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. This Nancy Peach Apricot tree can be the first addition to a cold climate orchard, planted alongside a Mirabelle Plum from Nancy or a Vine Peach.