Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) SATURN

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Saturn'

Romanian self-fertile variety with weak growth and sweet kernel.

'Saturn' is a high-quality Romanian apricot variety bred at the SCDP Mărculești station. It is popular for its weak growth, making it ideal for smaller gardens. It features good resistance to spring frosts, pleasant fruit taste, and a sweet kernel.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Weak growth (compact crown).
• Self-fertility (does not require a pollinator).
• Good resistance to spring frosts and diseases.
• Pleasant fruit taste.
• Sweet kernel inside the stone.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: SCDP Mărculești - Călărași
• Parentage: 'Mărculești 40' × 'Zarzăr cu înflorire târzie'
• Registration: 1979

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Weak.
• Crown: Spherical.
• Bearing: Bears fruit predominantly on short fruiting wood.

Fruit

• Size: Medium size.
• Shape and Color: Round, slightly flattened. The skin is yellow-orange, with red spots on the sunny side.
• Flesh: Orange, firm, moderately juicy.
• Taste: Very pleasant.
• Stone: Freestone (separates from flesh). Has a sweet kernel.
• Usage: Universal – fresh consumption, processing (juices, nectars, puree).

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Has good resistance to diseases and spring frosts.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-fertile. Presence of pollinators (e.g., 'Mari Timpurii', 'Sulina', 'Hargrand') may increase yield.

Harvest and Storage

• Yield: Productive.