Prunus armeniaca Robada Apricot
The only other way you can get something this sweet-tasting and jumbo in your mouth is to lick a 747 jet covered in syrup. If the sweetness was any higher, you would think it had just snorted drugs and the tartness is low enough to mean it couldn't feature in 50 Shades of Grey but enough to cook with.
When sniffed, experts gave their feedback of the aroma as "whose bright idea was it to do this outside in the wind?". Later sniff tests conducted inside using smaller bits of flesh gave expert feedback of "I think I just inhaled a chunk". Final sniff tests conducted after a thorough health and safety briefing aimed at children resulted in feedback of "strong, classic apricot fragrance — floral and honey-like, sometimes with tropical hints when fully ripe".
The glossy skin is a deep orange with 50–70% red blush, almost like it was embarrassed at how tasty it is. The flesh is also a deep, vibrant orange. It is firm, smooth and dense — ideal for dessert fruits and for cooking.
Among the largest apricots available, so if you want a handful of fruity flesh in the garden without the neighbours raising their fences, then buy this apricot tree.
Freestone variety, making them easier to eat and process when cooking.
Developed in California for many qualities including drought resistance which was proven during tests in Ukraine in 2021–2022. Excellent for dehydrating.
Prunus armeniaca Robada Apricot Flowering and Harvest Times
The flowers are a soft pink turning white with a pink tinge and then mostly white.
Harvest mid-to-late July.
Self-Fertile / Self-Pollinating, so no need for another apricot variety planted nearby, but yields improve with a partner tree.
Planting Prunus armeniaca Robada
Good frost resistance that can be improved by planting in sheltered, full-sun positions.
Thrives in well-drained loam or sandy loam with pH 6.5–7.5. Avoid waterlogged clay or compacted soils.
Other Information about Prunus armeniaca Robada
Moderate to moderately high vigour — more robust than compact types like Compacta or Pink Marry, but less rampant than very vigorous varieties such as Bergeron.
Excellent for fresh eating, processing, and shipping.
Proven adaptable to the UK climate, offering reliable cropping in temperate regions.
70–90 g per fruit, with some exceeding 100 g in optimal conditions.
Top-rated eating quality in California taste panels, often beating Blenheim for sweetness and balance.
Even ripening across the tree, reducing the need for multiple pickings.
Resistant to rain-induced cracking — a big advantage in UK summers.
Longer post-harvest life due to thick skin and dense flesh.
Naturally open canopy with strong branch angles to reduce limb breakage.
Sometimes called the "model apricot" for its photogenic blush and symmetrical shape.
