Apricot
Can I Grow Blenheim (Royal)?
Blenheim is California's legendary apricot — the variety that built the Santa Clara Valley dried fruit industry. Sweet, aromatic, and perfect for drying, canning, or eating fresh off the tree.
Growing Requirements
Chill Hours
400
Hardiness Zones
7-8-9
Harvest
June to July
Results
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About Blenheim (Royal)
Blenheim is California's legendary apricot — the variety that built the Santa Clara Valley dried fruit industry. Sweet, aromatic, and perfect for drying, canning, or eating fresh off the tree.
Blenheim (Royal) requires 400 chill hours — the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy. Without enough chill, the tree may fail to flower properly or produce poor fruit.
Common Challenges
Early bloom makes it frost-prone; needs warm, dry summers for best quality; susceptible to shot hole fungus.
Common Misconception
Will Blenheim (Royal) produce more fruit in colder climates?
Not necessarily. Blenheim (Royal) only needs 400 chill hours. Planting in very cold zones (6 or colder) risks winter damage without improving fruit production. The ideal zones are 7-9 where the tree gets enough chill without excessive cold stress.
Other Apricot Varieties
Chill hour data from ERA5 reanalysis (Copernicus/ECMWF). Variety information compiled from university extension services.