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Apricot 'Chinese'

7-Gallon Dwarf

Height: 15-20 feet tall.
Spread: 15-20 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Hardiness Zone: 4a.
Other Names: Prunus armeniaca 'Chinese'


Description:
A hardy and productive apricot variety known for its late bloom time, reducing the risk of frost damage. It produces sweet, golden-orange fruit with a mild, juicy flavor. In early spring, it displays beautiful pinkish-white blossoms, making it an attractive ornamental tree as well. It requires full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.


Edible Qualities:
Apricot 'Chinese' is a small tree commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces medium-sized, golden-orange fruit with a smooth skin and sweet, mildly tart flesh. The fruit ripens in mid to late summer and is excellent for fresh eating, drying, and preserving.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Drying
- Preserves
- Baking

Features & Attributes:
Apricot 'Chinese' is covered in showy pinkish-white blossoms in early spring before the foliage emerges. The medium green deciduous leaves turn golden-yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest. The fruit is highly ornamental, ripening to a deep golden-orange color in summer. The fruit may drop if not harvested promptly, requiring occasional clean-up.

This is a deciduous tree with an upright, spreading growth habit. Its average texture blends into the landscape but can be complemented by finer or coarser trees and shrubs for a balanced composition. It is self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination with another apricot variety for improved yields.


Aside from its primary use as an edible, Apricot 'Chinese' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Accent
- Orchard/Edible Landscaping


Planting & Growing:
Apricot 'Chinese' will grow to be about 15-20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15-20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3-4 feet from the ground, making it ideal for home orchards. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers slightly sandy or loamy soils with good air circulation to prevent disease. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry periods. A winter pruning routine will help maintain shape and encourage healthy fruit production.

Additional Characteristics:
- Spring Flowers
- Fruit-bearing
- Fall Color Interest