PUGET GOLD apricot tree

🍑 Origin and main characteristics

• Puget Gold is a variety of apricot (Prunus armeniaca) developed to better withstand colder climates.
• It flowers late, which limits the risk of spring frosts that often destroy the flowers of traditional apricot trees.

• The fruit is large, slightly elongated, golden orange in color, sometimes with a red blush on the sunny side. Sweet flesh.

🌡 Resistance/hardiness

• Can tolerate low temperatures, often recommended for hardiness zones 4 to 5.
• Cold hardiness + late flowering = good choice for climates with late frosts or uncertain springs.

🌳 Size, shape, spacing

• Height at maturity: around 3 to 5 meters depending on the source.

• Width: around 3-4 meters.

• Recommended spacing: leave room for the branches to grow and for light to reach the tree, and avoid having branches that are too wet or overloaded.

🌱 Growing conditions

• Exposure: full sun.

• Soil type: well-drained, ideally cool but not waterlogged. Some nurseries recommend avoiding very heavy or poorly drained soils.

• Watering: especially in the early years, during droughts.

• Protection: from cold winds, frost, etc. A sheltered location is preferable.

🍒 Harvest & uses

• Harvest around July-August depending on the region. 

• Fruits are eaten fresh, but are also good for preserves, jams, etc. 

⚠ Constraints/limitations

• Even though it is more resistant, late frost remains a risk, especially for flowering branches if springs are cold.

• Exposure to cold winds or damp soil can be harmful.

• Like many fruit trees, it may require pruning, maintenance (thinning, removal of dead branches), etc.

➕ Some useful details:

• Even though it is self-fertile, planting another compatible apricot tree nearby can increase production (more fertilized flowers = more fruit).

• Pollinating insects (bees, bumblebees) are important for ensuring good fertilization.