Apricot Clutha Gold
Notify MePrunus armeniaca Clutha Gold is a high-performing New Zealand apricot known for its large, golden-orange fruit and superb flavour. Juicy, sweet, and aromatic, the fruit is ideal for fresh eating, bottling, or drying. Flowering in early to mid-spring, this mid to late-season variety ripens from late summer and produces reliably under the right conditions.
Perfect for home orchards, lifestyle blocks, and productive garden spaces. Complements Mediterranean, traditional, or edible garden styles.
Plant in a sunny, sheltered site with well-drained, fertile soil. Protect flowers from late frosts and maintain regular watering during dry spells. Space trees 3–4 metres apart to ensure good airflow and healthy growth.
Mature size: Grows to approximately 4–5 metres tall with a broad, spreading form.
Trimming: Prune in late summer after harvest to shape the tree and remove any dead, diseased, or crossing wood. Avoid winter pruning, as apricots are susceptible to disease entry through pruning cuts in cool, damp conditions.
Deadheading: Not applicable for fruit trees.
Fertilising: Feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring as growth resumes. During fruit development, apply a fertiliser with higher potassium content to support flowering and fruit quality. Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure, keeping it away from the trunk.
Watering: Ensure consistent watering during the establishment phase and throughout dry spells, particularly from spring to midsummer while fruit is forming. Avoid waterlogging, as apricots prefer free-draining soils.
Pest Control: Monitor for aphids, leafroller caterpillars, and mites. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if infestations occur. Netting may be necessary to protect ripening fruit from birds.
Disease Management: Susceptible to brown rot and bacterial canker. Remove and dispose of any mummified or rotting fruit and prune out infected wood during dry weather. Maintain an open canopy for airflow and avoid overhead watering. Preventative copper sprays in late winter may help reduce canker risk.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
