Apricot ‘Blenheim’ is a popular cultivated tree that produces apricots that ripen in late summer. This cultivar is self-pollinating and does better in colder climates than other apricot trees. As it blooms in spring, the flowers can change colors from pink to white, and the tree can serve as an ornamental addition to any garden.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Grown extensively in California for drying and canning, Prunus armeniaca ‘Blenheim’ is a small to medium-sized apricot tree adorned with profuse clusters of pinkish white five-petaled flowers in early spring. They are followed by large, freestone, pale orange fruits in early-mid summer. They are sweet, aromatic, very juicy, and perfect for eating, baking, canning, or drying. Self-pollinating, this apricot tree forms a rounded crown with upwardly-reaching branches clothed in ovate, finely serrated, dark green leaves with a pointed tip. Best adapted to California and other areas with Mediterranean climates since its early flowers are susceptible to freeze damage
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Apricot ‘Blenheim’ likes sunshine. As a fruit tree, ample sunlight for photosynthesis is necessary for its growth and to provide sufficient nutrition to develop fruit. It should be planted in a spot that ensures it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight, and ideally no less than 8 hours of sunlight.
Temperature
Apricot ‘Blenheim’ is fairly good at surviving in low temperatures. The temperature it can tolerate ranges from -22 ℃ to 42 ℃. It is also not very picky when it comes to water. It does not need a lot of water and is resistant to both drought and flood.
Watering
Originating from temperate regions, apricot ‘Blenheim’ thrives with moderate moisture and exhibits resilience to brief dry spells. Preferring consistent hydration without waterlogging, apricot ‘Blenheim’ is best maintained with a watering schedule of twice a week to ensure soil dampness that mimics its natural habitat. As an outdoor deciduous plant, apricot ‘Blenheim”s water needs fluctuate with the seasons; during the growing season, it requires more frequent irrigation to support its fruiting cycle.
Soil
When planting apricot ‘Blenheim’, you should select a sandy loam soil or loam that is thick, rich in organic matter, and with a slight to medium alkaline pH of 7-8.5. Avoid planting it in a place where salt and alkalis are concentrated. Additionally, make sure that the soil is moist but drains well. It is best not to grow apricot ‘Blenheim’ in clay soil.
Fertilizing
Optimal fertilization of apricot ‘Blenheim’ entails using balanced fertilizers (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring for foundational nutrition, shifting to high-nitrogen options pre-bloom to bolster growth and fruiting vigor. Apply fertilizer quarterly, with lighter, more frequent feeding in the growing season, ensuring an amount proportional to apricot ‘Blenheim”s size and age. Fertilization promotes robust health, increases fruit yield, and enhances disease resistance. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn, adjusting practices for apricot ‘Blenheim”s life stages. Dilute fertilizers adequately, and follow manufacturers’ guidelines to safeguard apricot ‘Blenheim”s well-being.
Planting Instructions
You can purchase apricot ‘Blenheim’ saplings in garden centers. Pay attention to two things before planting. First, choose an area of the garden that has a lower altitude to plant your apricot ‘Blenheim’. This will help it to acquire enough water because its roots are shallow. Additionally, apply sufficient base fertilizer before planting it, mostly organic fertilizer. Once planted, remember to water it soon after, until the water on the surface of the soil stops draining away. When this happens you have provided sufficient water.
We generally do not sow seeds to propagate apricot ‘Blenheim’ because the seeds need to undergo post-ripening effects. This means that the seeds are not yet mature when they are harvested. It is only after a period of special treatment that the seeds can complete their biochemical processes and reach the condition of being mature seeds that are able to germinate.
Pruning
Apricot ‘Blenheim’ sprouts on branches that have strong budding capabilities. However, the branches can easily become overcrowded and need frequent pruning to maintain the shape, air circulation, and light exposure within the tree. This also helps to prevent pests and diseases while at the same time helping the leaves receive more sunlight.
Apricot ‘Blenheim’ can generate a large amount of fruit without any artificial pollination. Because apricot ‘Blenheim’ can produce a large number of flowers with a high yield of fruit, to maintain its growth and the quality of fruit, it is recommended that some flowers and fruit be removed to concentrate the nutrients for the remaining fruit. As a result, there will not be a large amount of fruit, but those left will be of higher quality and have an improved flavor.
Propagation
Apricot ‘Blenheim’ is commonly propagated through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken from vigorous, healthy shoots are the most effective. Each cutting should include several growth nodes and be treated with rooting hormone to encourage development. The cut end is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the environment is kept moist and warm to promote root growth. Providing a consistent regime of gentle watering and partial sunlight will establish a strong root system, leading to a successful propagation.
Transplanting
Apricot ‘Blenheim’ thrives when transplanted from late spring to early summer due to optimal growth conditions. Ensure a sunny location with well-drained soil for successful establishment. If necessary, water consistently to aid root development.
III. Harvesting and Storage
The fruits of apricot ‘Blenheim’ usually ripen in the early fall and can be picked for eating. If the fruit needs to be stored or transported a long distance, it is better to harvest the fruit before it softens, such as during the late summer or early fall. Note that fruit should be handled gently and, ideally, and the twig should remain on the fruit.