PlantFiles: Apricot
Prunus armeniaca 'Blenheim Royal'

Blenheim and Royal are often used interchangeably. I'm given to understand that they're actually different cultivars but I have never found anyone who can straighten it all out for me. Suffice it to say that a lot of nurseries label them interchangeably.

Mine was labeled "Royal" and was from L.E. Cooke Co. (though bought at Berkeley's Magic Gardens Nursery). I was worried the weather here would be too temperate for it, but our unseasonable frosts this year seem to have given it enough chill hours and it was warm enough when needed for fruit set. They're developing well now and I hope to taste them in a couple weeks.

I've had dried Blenheim apricots and they have that tang I really like. I hope these will be equally blessed with that apricot tang.

Purchased the tree in summer 2003, bare-root that had been potted at the nursery. I spent weeks digging a huge area (wide and deep), adding amendments, etc. Then planted the tree. Got a good amount of fruit in 2004. Major crop of fruit in 2005 (its second spring/summer with me). I was giving away the excess, to my neighbors' delight.

This year, the unseasonal rains may have interfered with pollenization. I got a mere handful of fruit. The tree is thriving, however, and I'm happy with it.

All-purpose freestone, sweet, aromatic, flavorful. Long-time No. 1 apricot in California. Early bloom. Late June harvest in Central Calif. 500 hours. Self-fruitful.