Apricots are increasing in popularity on the prairies. They bloom very early in the spring and it may be necessary to mulch the roots in the fall in order to delay bud breaking in the spring. If the flowers are hit by frost in the spring the reproductive parts of the flower will be damaged and the trees will not set fruit. Care should be taken when planting to avoid low spots that might be frost traps. Planting in areas protected from harsh winter winds would be advisable. Apricots, like most of the prunus family, will not tolerate areas that are continuously wet.

POLLINATION: It would be best to plant two different apricots. If that is not possible you could try a nanking cherry or a plum from pollination group #1.

Apricots are members of the plum family. For more information and a list of the varieties in Pollination group #1, check out the Plum page

Name	Zone	Uses	Size	Taste	Description
BROOKCOT	3	E,C,D	Large	Sweet	Gold with a red cheek. FIRM FLESH!
PRAIRIE GOLD	3	D,E,C,JA	Small	Semi-sweet	A tasty golden fruit. GREAT FOR JAM!
STRATHMORE	3	D,E,C,JA	Medium	Semi-sweet	Fruit is golden with a red tinge. FROM A SEEDLING FOUND GROWING IN STRATHMORE ALBERTA.
SUB ZERO	3	D,E,C,JA	Small	Semi-sweet	Fruit is firm with nice color. AN OLD STANDBY FOR HARSHER LOCATIONS.
SUNRISE	3	D,E,C,JA	Small	Semi-sweet	Fruit is firm and tasty. Called Sunrise because of its spectacular color. ORIGINATED IN SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN.
WESCOTT	3	D,E,C,JA	Large	Semi-sweet	Large golden fruit is freestoned. FIRM AND JUICY!

Key to Variety Chart