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The Beautiful Autumn Glo Apricot Tree

When it comes to apricots, you can’t go wrong with the Autumn Glo apricot tree if you’re looking for a delicious apricot. Widely considered to be one of the best tasting varieties of apricot, this delectable fruit is tender and sweet. Equally important, you can extend your apricot harvest well into late summer with the Autumn Glo apricot.

Autumn Glo Apricot Tree
Apricot trees with ripe apricots.

This apricot performs exceptionally well in taste tests, and the gorgeous color is a sweet yellow. The Autumn Glo apricot is delicious in late season pies and preserves, and the color holds up beautifully when canned in jars.

History of the Autumn Glo Apricot Tree

The Autumn Glo apricot tree was developed by Zaiger Genetics. More than 95% of apricots in the United States are grown in California, with most of the rest being produced in Washington.

Originally domesticated in China, apricots are also grown in several other countries, including Turkey, Italy, Chile, South Africa, and more.

The Autumn Glo apricot is considered to be a “kid friendly” variety of apricot. The fruit is firmer than some other apricots and doesn’t bruise even when you have vigorous and over-enthusiastic helpers.

Tree / Fruit Characteristics

In the spring, this tree will reward you with charming and fragrant pink blooms.

The Autumn Glo apricot is kid-friendly in more ways than just being resilient during eager picking. Kids also love the flavor of this apricot variety because it has nearly fuzz-less skin and a medium texture.

Because they ripen later in the season in late August to early September, Autumn Glo apricot trees are a great tree to have in your orchard. The fruit blooms all at once, just in time for a wonderful fall harvest.

Typically, this fruit tree bears fruit within two to three years after planting. Your seasonal yield will be 50+ pounds of fruit.

As a landscape tree, the Autumn Glo apricot tree makes a special accent tree because it has a growth habit that’s semi-spreading. It looks gorgeous placed behind patio seating in mulched beds.

Planting Zones

Autumn Glo apricots perform well in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9. This tree is cold hard to about 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Size and Spacing

The Autumn Glo dwarf apricot tree grows up to 10-12 feet in height, with some varieties growing to as tall as 18 feet.

You can plant Autumn Glo trees using 4-in-1 or 3-in-1 planting methods. By doing this, you can enjoy a longer harvest window and save space.

Pollination

Bee Pollinating An Apricot Tree
Bumble bee on apricot tree flower

The Autumn Glo apricot self-pollinates, but the tree benefits from cross-pollination with other apricot trees.

Tree Care

The soil pH levels for the Autumn Glo apricot tree should be about 6.5. Autumn Glo apricot trees need well-drained soil to thrive.

To improve your drainage, you can create a three-feet-wide mounded heap of soil that is 12-18 inches above the soil line. Alternatively, you can plant this fruit tree in a raised bed.

Once your tree is planted, give it a thick mulch layer over the root system, applying at least three to four inches of mulch. Spread the mulch three feet from the outside of the tree’s canopy.

In regards to diseases that affect apricot trees, be sure to read our comprehensive guide to apricot tree diseases. A disease can undo many years of work in just a few days, so preventative measures and proactive treatment could save your trees.

Sunlight

Like most apricot varieties, Autumn Glo apricot trees need at least six hours of sunlight every day. However, they thrive in locations that allow them to enjoy full sun. Particularly, apricots benefit from the morning sun’s drying power.

Watering

During fruiting and blooming, your Autumn Glo apricot tree will need to be watered with at least one inch of water every week. If you don’t get enough rainfall, you will need to water these trees.

However, avoid allowing the leaves, flowers, and fruit to get wet during seasons that are humid. We recommend using a garden drip irrigation system to ensure that your fruit trees stay perfectly watered at their roots.

Pruning

The Autumn Glo apricot tree is nice in a hedgerow because it stays medium in size. Like other fruiting trees, this fruit tree can be kept smaller if you prune it every summer.

You can also sculpt your Autumn Glo apricot tree into a goblet shape that has lateral branches that are wide-spreading. With strong 45-degree angles, the trees can support the weight of the abundant yearly harvest.

Learn more about apricot tree pruning here.

Common Uses For The Fruit

Apricot Jam
Jam from apricots in a glass jar on a wooden surface

While other Rosaceae fruits like apples and peaches get most of the glory, the humble apricot can do everything those two delicious fruits can do.

What Does This Fruit Taste Like?

Apricots are sweet, but not overpoweringly so. They’re frequently described as having a buttery taste and quality.

Cooking

When cooking Autumn Glo apricots, you will find that they’re ideal for most cooking applications. You can try them in desserts such as apricot ice cream or an apricot cobbler or crumble.

However, apricots are also wonderful when used in savory dishes. Try grilling them and serving with salad along with cooked chicken, for example. Autumn Glo apricots make excellent sauces as well.

Eating Raw

Can you eat Autumn Glo apricots raw right off the tree? Absolutely! You’ll love the flavor and texture of this apricot variety. Be sure not to bite down on the pits.

Another way we love to enjoy the flavor of apricots is in Apricot Lemon Iced Tea.

Canning / Freezing / Drying

Because they’re a firm apricot, Autumn Glo apricots are an excellent variety of apricots for canning. Preserve them halved or cut into slices.

Moreover, preserves in jelly jars make excellent holiday gifts that will be welcomed by the receivers.

For dried apricots, you can use Autumn Glo apricots, but we recommend the following varieties if you’re looking for apricots that make delicious dried fruit. Dried apricots are delicious in trail mix and salad.

  • Blenheim
  • Goldrich
  • Moorpark
  • Perfection
  • Pudget Gold
  • Tilton
  • Rival

You can also use apricots to make delicious fruit leather. Kids go nuts for this tasty and nutritious snack (and adults do, too!). Even better, this recipe calls for only two ingredients.

Recipes

When searching for delicious apricot recipes, we found countless good ideas for cooking and serving this delicious fruit. Here are a few of our favorites.

We love this idea for an Apricot Ham Steak. It’s a great way to bring apricots right onto the dinner table and would make a delicious holiday meal. The recipe calls for apricot preserves. Consider this Rachael Ray recipe for apricot preserves.

Another delicious main dish meal that calls for apricots is Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin.

Want to finish off your special meal with a dreamy dessert that tastes like it came directly down from heaven? Try this Raspberry Apricot Cheesecake with Chocolate Crust.

Health Benefits of Autumn Glo Apricots

There are numerous health benefits of eating apricots.

Nutrient-Dense and Low in Calories

Apricots pack an excellent nutritional punch. Two fresh apricots have only 34 calories and provide protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.

Because they’re so dense in nutrients, apricots are an amazing snack alternative.

Beta Carotene

All varieties of apricots are high in beta carotene. The body uses this nutrient for bone growth and protection. Beta carotene is also beneficial for the eyes, skin, and strengthening the body’s immune system.

Improved Eye Health

In addition to beta carotene, apricots have zeaxanthin and lutein, the two antioxidants associated with eye health in aging adults.

Antioxidants

Additionally, apricots are excellent sources of antioxidants such as anthocyanin and flavonoids that can help reduce some inflammatory conditions. Specifically, one study showed that these antioxidants were associated with significantly lower inflammation scores.

Collagen and Good Cholesterol

Studies have also indicated that apricots improve your skin’s collagen production and promote good cholesterol.

Apricots also help with hydration and can help improve your overall intestinal health.

Where to Buy Autumn Glo Apricots

Are you ready to plant your own Autumn Glo apricot trees? We recommend buying fruit trees from Nature Hills Nursery.

You can also sometimes find these fruit trees in garden shops, but make sure you’re in the right region.

Where to Buy The Fruit

You can buy Autumn Glo apricots in local produce shops as long as you’re in a region that grows these beautiful trees.

You can also buy this delicious apricot online in the form of canned and preserved fruit.

Fruit Facts / FAQs

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Conclusion

The Autumn Glo apricot tree is an excellent tree for your orchard. After all of your other apricots have been harvested, this tree will come along and reward you with a bountiful harvest of delicious fruit.

Excited for more apricot content? Then check out my apricot page for more info guides, growing tips, recipes, and more!