The Tropic Gold apricot is a popular fruit tree, valued for its consistent production of flavorful fruit. It is a rewarding addition to home orchards, offering both visual appeal and delicious yields.
Distinctive Features of Tropic Gold Apricot
The Tropic Gold apricot produces medium to large fruit with vibrant golden-orange skin, often adorned with red freckles or an orange cheek. Its rich orange flesh is firm, juicy, and has a sweet flavor with a pleasingly low acid content and slight tang.
A defining characteristic of the Tropic Gold apricot is its low chill hour requirement, needing only 250 to 350 hours below 45°F (7°C) to reliably produce fruit. This makes it particularly well-suited for warmer climates where many other apricot varieties struggle to meet their chilling needs. The fruit ripens early in the season, typically from late May to early July, allowing for an early harvest. The tree is also self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without the need for another apricot variety nearby for pollination.
Cultivating Tropic Gold Apricot
Climate and Chill Hours
Apricot trees require a specific period of cold temperatures during winter, known as chill hours, to break dormancy and initiate fruit production. These chill hours are typically accumulated when temperatures are between 32°F and 45°F (0°C and 7°C).
This low chill requirement makes the Tropic Gold apricot an excellent option for regions with mild winters, such as warmer temperate and subtropical climates. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Understanding the specific chill hour accumulation in your location is important for successful cultivation.
Site Selection and Soil
Choose a planting site that receives full sun exposure, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and fruit development. A site protected from strong winds can also be beneficial, especially for young trees.
The tree performs best in well-draining soil, as apricots are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Loamy or sandy soil is generally ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally ranging between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporating organic matter like compost or aged manure can improve soil structure and fertility.
Planting and Initial Care
Bare-root trees are typically planted in early spring, while container-grown trees can be planted any time the ground is not frozen. Before planting bare-root trees, soak their roots in water for one to two hours to rehydrate them.
Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root system. Position the tree so the root flare or graft union is slightly above the soil line. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, optionally mixed with compost or aged manure, gently tamping to remove air pockets. Water the newly planted tree thoroughly and deeply immediately after planting. Young trees may benefit from staking in windy locations to provide support during their establishment phase.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water Tropic Gold apricot trees consistently, particularly during their establishment phase and periods of fruit development. Newly planted trees require more frequent watering, typically one to two times per week during their first year, with each session delivering about 10 to 15 gallons of water. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Established trees generally need deep, less frequent watering, about every two to three weeks, or when the top 8 to 10 inches of soil feel dry. Water frequency should increase during hot, dry weather and as fruit matures. For fertilizing, apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 NPK blend, in late winter or early spring before bud break. Avoid applying nitrogen-rich fertilizers late in the growing season, as this can encourage vegetative growth over fruit production. Organic options like compost or aged manure can also provide essential nutrients.
Pruning and Training
Pruning maintains the health, shape, and fruitfulness of a Tropic Gold apricot tree. Dormant pruning, performed in late winter, is ideal for removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This practice also helps establish the tree’s structure, often trained to an open vase or modified central leader system to encourage air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Thinning young fruit is another beneficial practice that improves the size and quality of the remaining apricots. This involves removing some of the developing fruits to prevent overbearing, which can stress the tree and result in smaller, less flavorful fruit. Regular pruning promotes vigorous growth and helps the tree allocate its energy efficiently towards fruit production.
Pest and Disease Management
Managing pests and diseases is part of maintaining a healthy Tropic Gold apricot tree. Common insect pests include aphids, which can cluster on new growth, and peach twig borers, which may damage shoots and fruit. Scale insects and spider mites are also occasional concerns.
Apricot trees can be affected by fungal diseases such as brown rot, which causes blossoms and fruit to rot, and powdery mildew, visible as a white growth on leaves and fruit. Bacterial canker and shot hole disease are other potential issues. Prevention is a key strategy, involving practices like ensuring good air circulation, providing full sun exposure, and maintaining orchard sanitation by removing fallen leaves and fruit. For existing issues, horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can address pests, while fungicides may be used for certain diseases.
Harvesting and Enjoying Tropic Gold Apricots
Knowing when to harvest Tropic Gold apricots is key to enjoying their full flavor. The fruit is ready for picking when it develops a rich golden-orange color, often with a speckled red blush. Ripe apricots will feel firm yet slightly soft to the touch and detach easily from the branch with a gentle twist. The ripening season for Tropic Gold typically spans from late May to early July.
Once harvested, fresh apricots can be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days in a plastic bag or crisper drawer, and some sources suggest up to three weeks. It is best to wash the fruit just before consumption to prolong its freshness. Unripe apricots can be left at room temperature to ripen further. Tropic Gold apricots are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, including fresh eating, canning, drying, or incorporating into baked goods like pies and jams.