Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) SELENA

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) 'Selena'

Late Romanian variety with a unique basil aroma.

'Selena' is an interesting Romanian apricot variety bred at the SCDP Mărculești station. It is sought after not only for its quality fruits and weaker growth (suitable for smaller gardens) but especially for the specific, subtle basil aroma of the flesh, which distinguishes it from other varieties.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Unique basil aroma and pleasant taste.
• Weaker tree growth (suitable for smaller gardens).
• Medium to large fruits (approx. 60 g).
• Stone separates easily from the flesh.
• Universal usage (consumption and processing).

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: SCDP Mărculești - Călărași
• Parentage: Complex: ['Mărculești 21/50' ('Luizet' x 'Umberto')] × ['Mărculești 37/1' ('Ananas' x 'Ananas')]
• Registration: 1979

Variety Characteristics

Tree

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

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium to large, around 60 g.
• Shape and Color: Oval to round, flattened. The skin is yellow-orange, with red dots and spots on the sunny side.
• Flesh: Light orange, juicy.
• Taste and Aroma: Pleasant, slightly acidic, with a unique subtle basil aroma.
• Stone: Freestone (separates from flesh).
• Usage: Universal – fresh consumption, industrial processing.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-sterile. Requires a pollinator blooming at the same time (e.g., 'Litoral', 'Olimp', 'Comandor').

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late, turn of July and August.