Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) EXCELSIOR

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Excelsior'

Romanian variety with large fruits and resistance to temperature fluctuations.

'Excelsior' is a high-quality Romanian apricot variety bred at the SCDP Mărculești station. It is valued for its large, attractive fruits and ability to withstand adverse conditions well, especially temperature fluctuations at the end of winter. It provides a high yield of tasty fruits suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Large fruits (70 – 75 g) with firm flesh.
• Good resistance to frost and temperature fluctuations.
• High yield.
• Stone separates easily from the flesh.
• Universal usage (consumption and industrial processing).

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: SCDP Mărculești - Călărași
• Parentage: 'Mărculești 18-52-50' × late-flowering selection
• Registration: 1986

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Weak to medium strong.
• Crown: Hemispherical, strong scaffold branches.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, averaging 70 – 75 g.
• Shape and Color: Round-oval, slightly flattened. The skin is lemon-yellow to yellow-orange, with a red blush on the sunny side.
• Flesh: Lemon-yellow to orange, firm, and juicy.
• Taste: Pleasant, balanced, with a subtle aroma.
• Stone: Freestone (separates from flesh). It is relatively large.
• Usage: Universal.

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Has good resistance to frost, specific diseases, and especially to temperature fluctuations at the end of winter.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Partially self-fertile (some sources state self-fertile). To ensure high yields, pollinators are recommended (e.g., 'Dacia', 'Comandor', 'Favorit').

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Second half of July (July 20 – 30).
• Yield: High.