Top 20 Apricot Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Apricots are beloved for their sweet, tangy flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to growing fruit or an experienced gardener, choosing the right apricot variety can be the key to success. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 apricot varieties to grow, offering tips on growing conditions, care, and how to get the best out of your apricot trees.

1. Moorpark

Moorpark apricots are large and juicy with a slightly tart flavor. They’re great for fresh eating, drying, and preserving.

Tip: Moorpark trees need a long growing season and thrive best in warmer climates with low humidity.

2. Blenheim

One of the most popular varieties, Blenheim apricots are known for their sweet, aromatic flavor and excellent texture.

Tip: Blenheim apricots require full sun and perform best in Mediterranean-style climates with warm summers and cool winters.

3. Tilton

Tilton apricots have a distinctive heart shape and are known for their sweet, tangy flavor. They’re excellent for canning and drying.

Tip: Plant Tilton in well-drained soil and ensure regular watering during the growing season.

4. Goldcot

Goldcot apricots are hardy and great for colder climates. They have a sweet, tangy flavor and are perfect for fresh eating and baking.

Tip: Goldcot trees require less pruning than other varieties but benefit from regular thinning to increase fruit size.

5. Royal

Royal apricots are a reliable, sweet variety often used in commercial growing. They’re perfect for both fresh eating and drying.

Tip: Royal apricots need cross-pollination for a better fruit set, so plant them near another apricot variety.

6. Katy

Katy apricots are known for their early ripening and sweet flavor. They’re particularly popular in warm climates.

Tip: Provide Katy apricots with plenty of water during the fruiting period to enhance their size and flavor.

7. Tomcot

Tomcot apricots are an early-ripening variety with a sweet, tangy flavor and a firm texture, making them great for fresh eating and preserving.

Tip: Tomcot is partially self-fertile but will produce better with a pollinator nearby, like Goldcot or Royal.

8. Harcot

Harcot apricots are known for their juicy, sweet flesh and cold hardiness, making them perfect for cooler climates.

Tip: Harcot trees are more resistant to frost than other varieties, but they still need a sunny location to thrive.

9. Perfection

This variety produces large, sweet apricots with a slight tang, making them great for fresh eating and drying.

Tip: Thin the fruit early to prevent overcrowding and to ensure larger, more flavorful apricots.

10. Autumn Glo

Autumn Glo apricots ripen late in the season, offering a second harvest when most apricots have finished. They have a sweet, tangy flavor.

Tip: Autumn Glo requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. Regular watering is essential for good fruit development.

11. Chinese (Mormon)

Known for its cold hardiness, this variety is perfect for regions with harsh winters. The fruit is smaller but packed with flavor.

Tip: Prune regularly to maintain good airflow and reduce disease risks, especially in humid climates.

12. Goldstrike

Goldstrike apricots are large, sweet, and slightly tangy, perfect for fresh eating. They grow well in both warm and cool climates.

Tip: Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deeper root growth and reduce the risk of overwatering.

13. Early Golden

As the name suggests, Early Golden ripens early in the season and produces medium-sized, sweet apricots.

Tip: Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot to protect the early blossoms from frost damage.

14. Harcot

A cold-hardy, disease-resistant variety with a sweet and slightly tart flavor. It’s perfect for cooler climates and higher elevations.

Tip: Regular pruning will help manage size and ensure better airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

15. Tilton

Tilton apricots are highly regarded for their rich flavor and versatility. They perform well in both fresh eating and drying.

Tip: Regular fertilization, especially with organic matter, will help boost Tilton’s fruit size and flavor.

16. Rival

Rival apricots are firm, sweet, and perfect for canning. They’re a reliable variety for both fresh eating and processing.

Tip: Rival trees need plenty of water during the growing season, especially in hot, dry climates.

17. Sungold

Sungold apricots are a cross between apricot and plum, offering a unique flavor. They ripen later in the season, extending the harvest.

Tip: Sungold requires a pollinator, so plant it alongside another apricot or plum variety for the best results.

18. Harcot

Harcot apricots are sweet, tender, and cold-hardy, making them perfect for northern regions.

Tip: Harcot trees need protection from strong winds, so plant them in a sheltered location.

19. Canadian White Blenheim

This variety is known for its pale, sweet flesh and resistance to disease. It’s a rare but rewarding variety to grow.

Tip: Keep the tree well-pruned to maintain its shape and improve fruit quality.

20. Apache

Apache apricots are large and sweet, with a firm texture that makes them ideal for fresh eating and processing.

Tip: Apache trees need full sun and regular watering for the best fruit development.

Tips for Growing Apricots Successfully

1. Sunlight is crucial: Apricots need full sun to produce high-quality fruit. Plant in a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Well-drained soil: Apricots thrive in loamy, well-drained soil. Avoid planting in areas where water tends to accumulate, as apricots are prone to root rot.
3. Watering: Deep, infrequent watering is best for apricots. Water deeply once a week during dry periods, especially during fruit development.
4. Frost protection: Apricot blossoms are susceptible to frost damage. In cooler climates, consider frost protection methods such as row covers or planting in sheltered areas.
5. Pruning: Regular pruning encourages good air circulation, prevents diseases, and keeps the tree manageable in size.
6. Fertilization: Fertilize your apricot trees in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
7. Pest control: Watch for common pests like aphids, peach twig borers, and scale insects. Use organic or chemical treatments as needed to protect your crop.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for an apricot tree to bear fruit?
Most apricot trees take 3 to 4 years to bear fruit after planting.

Q2: When is the best time to plant apricot trees?
The best time to plant apricot trees is in late winter or early spring, before the growing season begins.

Q3: How often should I prune my apricot tree?
Apricot trees should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Q4: Can apricots grow in containers?
Yes, dwarf apricot varieties can be grown in large containers, making them ideal for small gardens or patios.

Q5: What is the best way to protect apricot blossoms from frost?
In regions prone to late frosts, plant apricot trees in a sheltered location and use frost cloths or row covers during cold nights.