Apricots come from an inland part of Asia with cold prolonged winters and very hot short summers. Chilling hours are figured by the hours between 32 and 49 degrees fahrenheit. Apricots are genetically programmed so they can, as spring comes, quickly come out of dormancy and flower. Then they ripen fruit in the short summer before they have to go dormant quickly to survive the cold winter. While sub-freezing December’s through February’s keep Apricots dormant in their native range, they wake up starting in January in our maritime climate. They are among the most winter hardy fruits to minus 40 degrees when fully dormant. However here, when they have their chill requirements met, they wake up in January. Then if it gets to about 17 degrees in February the tree can be killed or severely weakened. Apricot trees can be replanted and will grow and produce here for years if they are lucky not to encounter a killing winter freeze.
Puget Gold
(W5, A27 planted 2018) This variety was found near Anacortes and brought to the WSU Mt. Vernon station by Dr. Bob Norton almost fifty years ago who named it Puget Gold. It was found on the Copeland family farm near Anacortes. It still survives probably because being near the ocean it is protected from severe winter cold. Trees in Mt. Vernon and other inland areas have been killed. It blooms later than most apricots and fruits well in years without early severe frosts. It blooms in early March and fruits in early August. The tasty fruit is large and elongated yellow with an orange red blush when ripe. It is a natural semi dwarf and can be easily maintained at 10 to 15 feet.
Harglow
(W5, C28 planted 2022) A late blooming self fertile early ripening Apricot from the Harrow Research Station in Ontario Canada. It has some brown rot resistance. The firm, sweet flavorful fruit is medium size with a deep orange color with a red blush.
