Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) RĪTAUSMA

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Rītausma'

A late-blooming Latvian variety ideal for compotes.

'Rītausma' is an unregistered yet very valuable Latvian apricot variety from the breeding work of Pēteris Upītis. Its greatest advantage is its late blooming period, which helps it successfully avoid spring frosts, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in colder regions. The fruits are medium-sized, attractive, with a dark orange color and a sweet, very good taste. The flesh is exceptionally firm, which makes this variety especially suitable for processing into compotes, as the fruits retain their shape.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Late blooming: Helps protect the crop from spring frosts.
• Ideal for compotes: The firm flesh does not fall apart during canning.
• Good frost hardiness and drought resistance.
• Very good sweet taste.
• Good freestone quality.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia, Dobele
• Origin: Selected from the material of Pēteris Upītis
• Status: Unregistered variety

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is strong and upright. It comes into bearing early. It is cross-pollinated and needs another apricot variety blooming at the same time nearby to ensure a harvest.

Fruit

• Size: Medium-sized.
• Appearance: Attractive, orange with a red blush and thin skin.
• Flesh: Firm. The stone separates well.
• Taste: Very good, sweet.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: Good.
• Disease resistance: Medium.
• Drought resistance: Good.

Growing Recommendations

• Use: Excellent for fresh consumption and, thanks to its firm flesh, is especially suitable for compotes.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early, ripening from late July to early August.