The Sweet All-Rounder: A popular South African variety known for its excellent balance of sugar and acidity. It is a reliable producer that handles the Eastern Cape climate with ease.
Fruit Profile: Medium to large fruit with a beautiful orange skin and a slight red blush. The flesh is firm, sweet, and deep orange, making it perfect for eating fresh or drying.
The "Early Bird" Dessert King
If you want to be the first in your neighbourhood to harvest, the Palsteyn is your tree. It is a vigorous, upright grower that works perfectly as a Background Layer or a natural screen along a sunny boundary. Its structural form is more vertical than the Soldonne, making it a great choice for narrower garden spots where you still want a "proper" fruit tree.
The Fruit
Appearance: Large, oval fruit with a striking deep orange skin and a prominent red-carmine blush on the sun-exposed side.
Texture & Taste: A "freestone" variety (the stone pops out easily). The flesh is meltingly soft, sweet, and highly aromatic—the ultimate fresh dessert apricot.
Growing, Care & Chilling
Chilling Requirement: Low to Medium (approx. 350–450 hours). This is one of the best varieties for the Eastern Cape's slightly warmer winters as it doesn't need a severe cold snap to fruit.
Spacing: Plant 5 metres apart.
Specific Care: Because it blossoms very early, ensure it is planted in a spot protected from late spring winds which can knock the blossoms off.
Harvest: Very early! Harvest starts in mid-to-late November.
Visit us at the shop in Walmer, Port Elizabeth, or contact us on Whatsapp 072 867 3243.
Our Apricot Trees are currently available from R165 each.