My tree finally has a big enough crop to evaluate and based on its quality this year- BEST APRICOT I’VE EVER TASTED!
I admit to only tasting commercially grown varieties (but tree ripe from my own trees) or seedlings back when I lived in S. CA but my brother in law, who thought he’d tasted the best apricots in the world while living close to the Afghan border for a couple of years declared it the best apricot he ever tasted as well.
One season does not an evaluation make, but I have tasted it from trees in client’s orchards in the past and was already impressed with the floral depth of flavor, juiciness, appealing texture and high sugar of this cot. Orangered and especially Tomcot I’ve eaten so far this season cannot compare.
Also planted one this spring. Was hoping the marketing write-ups weren’t all fluff and that it could hold up to some of the hype. Seems like there’s a chance!
I had a Sugar Pearls for several years on a sandy sheltered north hillside. Finally the top half died. A year or two later the bottom half died. I tried a Chinese one at our rural orchard, but ag herbicide drift did that one in. I have a couple other varieties, but suspect all is wishful thinking this far north (near St. Paul). I also tried grafting other varieties to a couple. I’m trying a Scout to see how it does. Have seen only a handful of blossoms in all on the trees over about 14 years Getting too old to plant fruit trees now.
Alan, my feeling is the same. They are really good and very disease resistant. My tree sets fruit profusely - it does need a polinator. This apricot was a revelation for me. Now I have several white apricot grafts!
I shouldn’t have read that. I have been thinking I’m done getting new varieties and considering getting rid of some that I have. It’s getting to be too much but now maybe I need a Sugar Pear apricot.
Would anyone be able to post a picture of the leaves and/or new growth of their Sugar Pearls? Mine died off after planting and has been munched on by rabbits to the point I have a bud coming out from very near the graft. A picture to compare with would really help to make the call if I have a Sugar Pearls or the rootstock!
Hooray! That makes me more confident my growth is Sugar Pearls. Same slightly serrated leaves of the same shape with the reddish branches. Yay! Thank you!
It’s the best tasting I’ve grown to my palate, but the spot I have it in isn’t working great. Inconsistent cropping here, although I used to manage one in a more favorable site where it was relatively reliable. It seems to be exceptionally tough.
I ordered Sugar Pearls scionwood this winter. I’ve seen it marketed as hardy to zone 4, but I’m skeptical. Has anyone grown in a cold climate or test winter? Bob Purvis said he’s heard reports of successful growth in southern Wisconsin. He also said Zard is a parent of Sugar Pearls. I’ve seen many reports raving about the flavor.
