Blenheim Apricot Tree

Blenheim, also known as Royal Blenheim, is an early-blooming apricot with aromatic, freestone fruit suited to fresh eating, drying, and canning. Its blossoms may open before damaging frosts have passed, so a warm, sheltered site is important for reliable crops. ## Profile The [UC Davis Foundation Plant Services cultivar record](https://fps.ucdavis.edu/treedetails.cfm?hidepics=yes&v=4599) describes Blenheim as productive, early blooming, and requiring 400 chill hours or less; it lists USDA Zones 7–8. [One Green World](https://onegreenworld.com/product/blenheim-apricot/) reports medium fruit with pale orange skin, red speckling, juicy orange flesh, and a mature height of 10–12 ft. Current size can vary with rootstock and training, so leave room for a full fruit-tree canopy. ## Planting and fruiting Grow in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Blenheim is self-fertile and can also pollinate other apricots; a nearby compatible variety that flowers at the same time may improve yield. Thin excess fruit when it reaches grape size, spacing the remainder about 4–6 inches apart. ## Maintenance Keep soil evenly supplied with water while fruit develops, but avoid waterlogged roots. Prune in dry conditions to maintain a strong, open framework and remove diseased wood. Watch the early flowers during cold snaps and harvest fruit as it softens and develops its characteristic aroma.