Quick facts
| Arabic name | المشمش |
|---|---|
| English name | Apricot (Mishmish) |
| Scientific name | Prunus armeniaca |
| Family | Rose family (Rosaceae) |
| Plant type | Deciduous fruit tree |
| Height | Usually 4 to 8 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
January to February
During rest in late winter Harvest time
May to June
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Wide heart-shaped leaves, white or pink flowers that open before the leaves in late winter, and soft orange fruits.
Where it grows
Grown in the highlands and north: Taif, Al-Baha, Tabuk, Hail and Al-Jouf.
Soil
Good drainage; no standing water.
Water and irrigation
Medium, with regular water in spring and summer.
Climate and light
Needs a cold winter to flower, and full sun.
Propagation
Grafted on suitable rootstocks.
Benefits and uses
- Fruit eaten fresh or dried
- Used for jam and apricot paste
Drawbacks
- Early flowers are hurt by late frost
- Needs winter cold; not for hot areas
- Short fruit season
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Prunus armeniaca
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Prunus armeniaca
- Wikipedia: Apricot
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)