Apricot trees

[MyBiscuitspread]

Our garden is small but I've always wanted to plant some sort of fruit tree and we've finally agreed on an apricot tree as we love the shop bought fruit in summer.
Had a look at online garden shops and one had about 25 varieties all of them described as big, sweet and juicy which I find hard to believe. Surely, some varieties must produce those horrible dry and bland ones that you sometime get from the supermarket by mistake.
How do I know which variety is really tasty???
Or does it depend on the soil and amount of sun, how tasty your crop turns out to be?

I made the mistake of buying the first grape vine I could get my hands on from homebase. The grapes are inedible as too sour and the leaves are useless as well because you can't use them for any Mediterranean dishes etc as they are too thick and hairy.

Hoping to make an informed decision when choosing which Apricot tree.

Some of the blandness is storage and picking too soon. Most fruit tastes better if allowed to ripen on the plant.

I would place my first priority on a tree guaranteed to crop well in the cold UK climate. Apricots are near their northern limit here. Purchase from-a dedicated fruit nursery not a general nursery, somewhere like Keepers.

worth reading the RHS advice

That's great advice thank you!

As above, you need to look for one that will grow well in your climate. If you have a specialist fruit nursery near by they can advise. Also if you only plant one, make sure it is fully self fertile.

As so often, I agree with MereDint. Use a reliable nursery to get a suitable variety - mine came from the RHS at Wisley - and make sure you put it in the best conditions your garden can provide. Stay vigilant for canker and other diseases. They got my apricot tree in the end ((stifled sob)).