Description
Mokel is a flowering ume apricot (*Prunus mume*) valued for its combination of early spring bloom and traditionally used fruit. The tree produces soft pink blossoms in late winter to early spring, often flowering before leaf emergence and bringing color to the garden when little else is in bloom.
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Mokel reliably produces tart ume fruit once mature. These fruits are not intended for fresh eating, but are traditionally harvested firm and green for pickling, fermenting, and preserving. Common uses include umeboshi, ume syrup, and liqueurs such as umeshu. This dual-purpose role makes Mokel well suited for gardeners who value both beauty and cultural food traditions.
Overview
- Japanese ume apricot grown for blossoms and traditional fruit use.
- Early pink flowers bloom on bare wood.
- Produces tart ume fruit for pickling and preserving.
- Elegant growth habit with ornamental value.
- Well suited to home gardens and specialty orchards.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Prunus mume ’Mokel’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil essential
Rootstock: Myro 29C
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8
Bearing Age: 2–4 years (for ume fruit)
Size at Maturity: Typically 12–18 ft tall and wide (maintained smaller with pruning)
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Ripening Time: Early to mid-summer
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile; fruit set can improve with a second ume nearby
Pests & Diseases: Similar to other apricots; good airflow and drainage reduce issues
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Mokel tends to balance ornamental flowering with reliable ume fruit set, making it a good choice for growers who want both beauty and usable harvest.
- Regional Insight: Mokel performs well in the Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, and other regions with cool winters that support strong flowering and consistent fruiting.
- This tree reliably produces ume fruit when mature; the fruit is traditionally used for umeboshi, syrups, and liqueurs rather than fresh eating.
- Harvest ume fruit while firm and green for traditional processing.
- Explore more apricot varieties in our collection: Apricot Trees
