Prunus armeniaca 'Tomcot' (F)
apricot 'Tomcot'
A self-fertile apricot cultivar that is considered to be reliable in cool climates; suitable for southern and central areas of the UK. The spring blossom is followed by large, orange fruits with a crimson blush. Cropping season: mid to late July
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Orange Red | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Apricots flourish on deep, moisture-retentive, well-drained, ideally slightly alkaline soils and struggle in poor, shallow soils. Although fully hardy, they bloom early, and the flowers are vulnerable to frost, so trees need a warm, sheltered position. Protect blossom from frost at night, and hand pollinate if insects are scarce. See How to grow: Apricots for cultivation details
Propagation
Propagate by grafting on rootstock for fruit. Seed-raised plants are likely to be inferior to the parent
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Edible fruit
- Wall side borders
Pruning
May be trained as a fan on a warm wall, or as a free-standing bush in milder areas. Train fan-trained trees in spring. Pruning established fans is carried out in early summer and after harvest
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, brown scale, glasshouse red spider mite. Birds and squirrels may damage fruit
Diseases
May be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus
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