Plumcot, Pluots And Aprium: Hybrid Fruit A Comprehensive Guide

At Frank P Matthews, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of fruit trees, including some of the more unique hybrids that have emerged from the intersection of traditional and innovative horticultural practices. Among these intriguing options are Apriums, Plumcots, and Pluots—each a delightful blend of apricot and plum genetics. While these fruits share similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. This article delves into the detailed descriptions and differences of these hybrid varieties to help you make an informed choice for your orchard or garden.

Apriums

Description: Apriums are a hybrid fruit resulting from a cross between apricots (Prunus armeniaca) and plums (Prunus domestica). This hybrid leans more towards the apricot in terms of genetic composition, typically around 75% apricot and 25% plum.

Characteristics:

Appearance: Apriums generally resemble apricots more closely than plums. They have a similar size, shape, and colour, often sporting a light to deep orange skin and flesh.

Flavour: The flavour profile of apriums is predominantly apricot-like, with a sweet, intense flavour and a hint of plum tartness. The texture is firm yet juicy, akin to an apricot.

Harvesting and Season: Apriums typically ripen in early summer, around the same time as apricots. They require similar growing conditions, preferring full sun and well-drained soil.

Growing Requirements:

Climate: Apriums thrive in climates suitable for apricots, which include Mediterranean climates with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Pollination: Some aprium varieties may require cross-pollination with compatible apricot or plum trees to set fruit effectively.

Plumcots

Description: Plumcots are the earliest form of plum-apricot hybrids, created by crossing apricots and plums in roughly equal genetic proportions (50% apricot and 50% plum). The term “plumcot” is often used to describe the initial hybrids developed by Luther Burbank in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Characteristics:

Appearance: Plumcots exhibit a wide range of appearances, sometimes looking more like plums and other times resembling apricots. Their skin colour can vary from yellow to reddish-purple, and their flesh can range from orange to deep red.

Flavour: The flavour of plumcots can also vary widely but generally combines the sweetness of apricots with the tartness of plums. They have a juicy texture, often more akin to plums.

Harvesting and Season: Plumcots typically ripen in mid to late summer, depending on the specific variety and growing conditions.

Growing Requirements:

Climate: Plumcots require a climate that supports both plums and apricots. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Pollination: Plumcots can often benefit from cross-pollination with other plum or apricot varieties to enhance fruit set and yield.

Pluots

Description: Pluots are a more recent development in the world of stone fruit hybrids, created by further crossing plumcots with plums. As a result, pluots have a higher proportion of plum genetics, typically around 75% plum and 25% apricot.

Characteristics:

Appearance: Pluots generally resemble plums more than apricots. They come in various skin colours, including shades of red, purple, green, and yellow, often with a smooth, glossy finish. The flesh can be red, pink, yellow, or green, depending on the variety.

Flavour: Pluots are known for their complex and rich flavour profile, which combines the sweet, juicy characteristics of plums with a subtle hint of apricot. They are usually very sweet, with a firm and juicy texture.

Harvesting and Season: Pluots typically ripen in late summer to early autumn, extending the stone fruit season beyond that of apricots and plumcots.

Growing Requirements:

Climate: Pluots thrive in warm climates with plenty of sunlight. They prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types.

Pollination: Like plumcots and apriums, pluots often benefit from cross-pollination with other plum varieties to ensure a good fruit set.

Key Differences

Growing Conditions:

All three hybrids require full sun and well-drained soil, but their specific climate and pollination needs may vary slightly based on their predominant genetic composition.

At Frank P Matthews, we celebrate the diversity and innovation in fruit tree cultivation by offering a range of hybrid varieties, including Apriums, Plumcots, and Pluots. Understanding the distinct characteristics and requirements of each hybrid can help you choose the perfect fruit tree for your garden or orchard, ensuring a bountiful and delicious harvest. Whether you prefer the apricot-dominant flavour of Apriums, the balanced traits of Plumcots, or the plum-rich sweetness of Pluots, we have the ideal hybrid to suit your needs.