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Although apricots are somewhat more cold hardy than peaches, most varieties are still injured at temperatures of -20 to -25oF. The trees bloom very early in the spring and it is difficult to grow apricots in most parts of Idaho because of frequent frost injury to blossoms. The most reliable production will be in the fruit-growing region of southwestern Idaho.
Apricots are generally self-fruitful, but most experts recommend planting two varieties close together to ensure good fruit set. Varieties are commonly grafted onto apricot or Lovell peach seedling rootstocks, although more cold hardy rootstocks are sometimes available. The trees grow to about 20 feet tall and should bear their first crop in three to four years. Plant on well drained, light to medium-textured soil that is neutral to slightly acid. Place the trees on slopes away from frost pockets. The most cold hardy varieties include:
Harcot - Produces medium-large fruits that have a slight red blush. The flesh is smooth, fine-grained, sweet, and has good flavor. Reportedly has good resistance to perennial canker, bacterial spot, and brown rot. Developed in Canada.
Hargrand - Produces large fruits to 2.5" in diameter. The orange flesh is smooth and contains a freestone pit. Suitable for fresh or processing uses. Reportedly tolerant of perennial canker, bacterial spot, and brown rot. Developed in Canada.
Harlayne - Produces medium-sized fruits with that have a red blush. Firm, orange flesh with good flavor and a freestone pit. Suitable for fresh or processing uses. Reportedly resistant to perennial canker and brown rot and moderately resistant to bacterial spot. Developed in Canada.
Harogem - Produces small to medium-sized fruits with a red blush. Firm, orange flesh with good flavor and a freestone pit. Developed for the fresh market. Reportedly resistant to perennial canker and brown rot and moderately resistant to bacterial canker. Developed in Canada.
Moongold - Produces medium-sized fruits with yellowish-orange flesh, sweet and slightly acid flavor, and freestone pit. Suitable for fresh and processing uses. Reportedly vigorous and disease-free.. Fruits may ripen unevenly and fruit cracking and premature fruit drop have been reported. Needs 'Sungold' as a pollinator. Developed at the University of Minnesota.
Sungold - Produces medium-sized fruits with orange flesh, sweet and mild flavor, and freestone pit. Suitable for fresh or processing uses. Heavy bearer. Pollinate with 'Moongold.' Developed at the University of Minnesota.
Goldrich - Large, firm, fine-textured fruits with deep orange flesh. Vigorous, hardy, and productive but blooms early and is sensitive to apricot ring pox disease. Introduced by Washington State University.
Orange Royal Perfection - Large fruits have yellowish to deep orange skins and flesh. Good fruit quality and flavor. Very hardy and productive.
Plumcot - Several named varieties are available. An interspecific cross of 50% apricot and 50% plum. Resembles a plum in appearance and has fine flesh.
Riland - One of the earliest-ripening commercial varieties. Fruits color up before fully ripening, have good quality, and ship well. A good pollinator for Perfection.
Tilton - A leading variety for commercial freezing, drying, and canning. The fruits have a sweet-tart flavor. The trees are vigorous and productive. Blooms very early.
Wenatchee - Also known as Wenatchee Moorpark. Large fruits with yellow skins and flesh. Flavor is good and the fruits are excellent for home fresh, dried, or canned uses. Compatible with Perfection and Tilton for cross pollination. Introduced in Washington State in 1908.
