How to Grow Harcot Apricot
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Harcot Apricot
Prunus armeniaca 'Harcot'
treeHarcot is a popular mid-season apricot cultivar known for its large, flavorful fruit and reliable production. This deciduous fruit tree grows 15-20 feet tall and produces abundant golden-orange apricots with excellent flavor for fresh eating and preserving. It is self-fertile and widely adapted, making it an excellent choice for home orchards.
When should you plant Harcot Apricot in your zone?
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Example Harcot Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Harcot Apricot
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Harcot Apricot
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Harcot Apricot dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8, cold-hardy to zone 4b
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Get my Harcot Apricot timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy
November-FebruaryTree is leafless and enters winter rest period after leaf drop in fall
Prune in late winter while dormant. Remove dead wood and shape tree. Apply dormant oil spray for pest control.
Budbreak & Flowering
February-April depending on zonePink-white blossoms emerge before leaves; flowers are delicate and vulnerable to late frosts
Monitor frost risk; frost during bloom can eliminate fruit crop. Do not fertilize; can delay hardening off. Thin buds if excessive.
Leafing & Fruit Set
April-MayLeaves emerge fully; small green fruit develops from pollinated flowers
Begin thinning small fruit to 2-3 inches apart for larger apricots. Water consistently. Watch for pests and diseases.
Growth & Development
June-JulyFruit swells and develops color; leaves are fully developed and tree is in full growth
Continue watering deeply during dry periods. Fertilize monthly with balanced fruit tree formula. Support heavy fruit branches with props if needed.
Ripening & Harvest
July-AugustFruit becomes golden-orange and soft; aroma develops; ready for harvest
Pick ripe fruit daily; apricots ripen over 2-3 week period. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Use ripe fruit immediately or preserve.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infected fruit and twigs; improve air circulation; apply sulfur during bloom and development; sanitize tools
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Remove fallen fruit daily; apply spinosad or kaolin clay spray; release parasitic wasps; band tree trunk
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Spray with insecticidal soap; strong water spray; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Apply sulfur or miticide; increase humidity; spray neem oil in evening
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Prune out infected branches well below canker; improve drainage; avoid wounding tree; sterilize tools
Uses
Fresh eating and preserving
CulinaryHarcot apricots are excellent fresh-eating fruit with rich, sweet flavor. They are also ideal for canning, jam-making, drying, and freezing due to their firm flesh and lower water content. [source]
Dried fruit production
HouseholdHarcot apricots dry evenly and retain excellent flavor and color, making them superior to many other varieties for home drying or commercial production. [source]
Nutritional supplement
MedicinalApricots are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber. Fresh and dried apricots support digestive health and provide natural antioxidants. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeFlowering apricot trees provide early spring nectar and pollen for bees and pollinators. Ripe fruit attracts birds and beneficial wildlife. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harcot apricots mature in mid-season (typically mid-July to August depending on location). Harvest when fruit is fully colored orange and yields slightly to gentle pressure—they do not ripen off the tree. Pick fruit by hand or gently twist; handle carefully to prevent bruising. Harvest every 2-3 days as fruit ripens. For best flavor, allow fruit to fully ripen on tree before picking. Use immediately for fresh eating, or preserve by canning, freezing, or drying.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Harcot was developed by the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and released in 1971, specifically bred for cold hardiness and reliable production in northern climates.
- 🌱 Unlike many apricot varieties, Harcot is self-fertile and does not require a pollinator tree, though cross-pollination can increase yields.
- 🌱 Apricot wood is valued in woodworking and turning because of its attractive grain and color, making it useful for small crafts beyond just fruit production.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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