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APRICOT Cluthagold

THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE FOR PLANT AND FOOD RESEARCH VARIETY

Cluthagold is a cross between a Sundrop and a Moorpark. Cluthagold is a large, oval apricot with very good eating quality. Flesh is firm but melting, with very good flavour. Skin is orange with a lovely red blush. This tree is very hardy and has a vigourous, spreading habit and produces fruit that ripens two weeks after Sundrop and one day before Moorpark.

Protected by NZ Plant Variety Rights (Cluthagold)

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Planting                        
Harvesting                      

Pollination

Pollinators - Sundrop and Moorpark.

Available Now at...
Rootstock

Our Apricots are grown on Golden Queen seedling rootstocks. This rootstock determines the tree will reach 6m in height once established. Unfortunately there is no dwarfing rootstock available for stonefruit.

Planting & Tree Care

SOIL

Prefers well drained soil. 

PLANTING SITE

A sunny, sheltered position is best, protected from Spring frosts. Plant 4-5m apart from other apricot trees.

CLIMATE

Apricots perform best in temperate areas with dry spring weather. Most varieties need plenty of winter chilling but there are low chill selections that are suitable for warmer areas. 

WATERING

Water well during the early stages, during long dry periods and when the fruit is developing.

GENERAL CARE

Prune only during Summer after fruiting to minimise the chance of infection and bacterial canker. Paint all cuts with pruning paste.

PESTS & DISEASES

Apricots are vulnerable to some pests and diseases, including brown rot and bacterial canker. A preventative spray program is recommended, especially in areas with wet Spring weather.

PLANTING IDEAS

Apricot trees can be ‘espalier’ trained against a wall or fence in a fan shape.  

FRUIT

Fruit ripens from early to late summer

POLLINATION

Most varieties are self fertile, but will produce heavier and more regular crops if pollinated by another variety. 

TREE SIZE

Up to 5-6m.

RECOMMENDED PRUNING SYSTEM

Modified central leader or Vase shape. 

General Apricot tree information:

Apricot trees will start to produce fruit between its thrid to fifth year. 

Fruit will produce on second year wood.

Planting:

Apricot trees perform best in temperate areas with dry spring weather. Most varieties need plenty of winter chill, but there are low chill varieties available for warmer climates. (Check out their description above).

Apricots trees like planting sites that are sunny, sheltered and protected from Spring frosts and cold winds. Apricot trees will tolerate salt spray.

Plant Apricot trees 4-5 meters apart so rubbing of branches does not occur.

General Care:

Water Apricots well during early planting stages, long dry periods and when fruit is developing.

Apricot tree roots form alot of surface roots. To conserve moisture and suppress weeds, use organic mulch.

Apricot trees are vulnerable to some pests and diseases, including Brown Rot and Bacterial Canker. A preventative spray program is recommended, especially in areas with wet Spring weather.

Pruning and Training:

Prune Apricot trees in summer only after fruiting, this minimises the chance for infection and Bacterial Canker. Paint all cuts with pruning paste.

Prune into a modified central leader or vase shaped tree, or espailer against a wall or fence in a fan shape.

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