Growing Apricots

Apricot Growing Tips: Apricots can be trained as espaliers, making them ideal for small spaces or decorative garden designs. They produce most of their fruit on short spurs that develop on last year’s growth, and these spurs remain productive for about four years. If late frosts are expected, consider using a frost protectant like Frost Guard to safeguard the blossoms. In mid-spring, thin excess fruit from branches to ensure better fruit size and quality. Most of what we sell feature freestone fruit, are reliable for the Boise area and typically ripen in or around August each year. Note that apricots tend to bloom earlier than fruits such as cherries, apples, and plums. This means the variety and hardiness are important and having been in the landscape/garden center business for 50+ years, we have a good deal of knowledge concerning the reasons we recommend the varieties we list (because we have them listed below, it doesn't mean we have them. It's really about what you should consider when buying an apricot).

Apricot Varieties

Chinese Mormon

• Pollination: Self-pollinating

• Vigor: Moderate

• Fruit: Small to medium, very sweet and juicy

• Bloom Season: Late

• Notes: Late flowering helps the blossoms avoid late frosts. The tree bears fruit at a young age and is highly productive. Apricots have a smooth texture with orange skin and a red blush.

Perfection

• Pollination: Any variety except Reeves

• Vigor: Vigorous

• Fruit: Very large, oval, firm, with a large pit

• Flavor: Good

• Bloom Season: Early

• Notes: This hardy and vigorous tree may require some frost protection for early blooms. The skin ranges from light yellow to orange with slight texture.

Puget Gold

• Pollination: Self-pollinating

• Vigor: Vigorous

• Fruit: Medium-sized, good flavor, low acidity

• Bloom Season: Early August

• Notes: Protect the blossoms from late frosts. This variety is fairly tolerant of apricot diseases, especially in regions like the Treasure Valley.

Royal Blenheim

• Pollination: Self-pollinating

• Vigor: Moderate

• Fruit: Small, delicate, intensely flavored

• Flavor: Best-tasting apricot variety

• Bloom Season: Mid-season

• Notes: These apricots are very delicate and bruise easily, but they are considered the finest in flavor. A historic variety dating back to the 1880s, highly recommended for fresh eating.

Wenatchee-Moorpark

• Pollination: Self-pollinating

• Vigor: Moderate

• Fruit: Large, oval, orange-yellow skin and flesh

• Flavor: Rich and excellent

• Bloom Season: Mid-season

• Notes: Performs very well in regions like the Treasure Valley. Long-lived, often producing for up to 30 years. Best enjoyed fresh or for canning.