Apricots

The first apricots came from China or Siberia. The fruit is a great favorite today, but apricot trees are one of the most difficult of the stone fruits to grow due to their early blooming period and sensitivity to frost, wind, rain and other adverse weather conditions, any of which can result in blossom or fruit drop. Therefore, areas without late frosts are more suitable. However, there are ways to increase the chances for success in growing these tasty fruits.

Tomcot has been proven to be an extremely reliable producer at Dave Wilson Nursery in the Central Valley of California. A few varieties with a later bloom time have been developed such as Harglow and Harcot from Canada and Earli Autumn from Zaiger. In addition, a sturdy row cover can be put over the tree after it has blossomed to protect it from frost and wind. Under those circumstances, having a smaller tree is beneficial which also helps when it comes to harvesting. Most of the varieties we offer are self-fruitful, although two varieties will provide the biggest crop.

The apricot tree is generally very vigorous and fast growing. After the first few years of pruning to establish size and form, the main objective in pruning is to produce adequate new fruiting spurs and remove old ones that no longer produce. In order to limit the size of your tree, prune it in the summer as well as during its dormant period. Apricots dry well and they make excellent jam. There are many tasty recipes using apricots such as Apricot chiffon pie (see recipe) and Apricot chicken.

Apricot Chiffon Pie
Recipe from the Steinbeck House in Salinas, California

• Prepare graham cracker or cookie crust for 9” pan. Cut up 1 cup dried apricots and cook in small amount of water till tender.
• Mash, but leave small chunks.
• Soak together ½ tablespoon gelatin and 2 tablespoons water. Set aside.
• Combine and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened: ½ cup sugar, ½ cup apricot nectar*, 1/8 tsp. salt and 3 egg yolks.
• Remove from heat, add softened gelatin and stir until dissolved. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and the cooked apricots. Cool until mixture begins to set.
• Fold in ½ cup cream, whipped.
• Then fold in: 3 egg whites, stiffly beaten with ¼ cup sugar.
• Pile into shell and chill until firm Serves 8.
  *Can use liquid from cooking apricots.

CITATION (Cit.)
Peaches and nectarines dwarfed to 8-14 ft.; apricots and plums dwarfed to 12-18 ft. Very tolerant of wet soil; not drought tolerant (induces early dormancy in dry soil) so needs very regular water in hot climates. A top dressing of mulch can help maintain soil moisture. Resists root knot nematodes. Induces heavy bearing at a young age. Very winter hardy. Strong and well anchored. Pat. No. 5112 (Zaiger).

LOVELL (Lov.)
Vigorous, standard rootstock for plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, prunes, almonds. More tolerant of wet soils than Nemaguard; also more cold hardy. Susceptible to nematodes in sandy soils. Provides good anchorage and high degree of disease resistance. Unpruned tree height of standard varieties 15-25 ft.; size can be controlled further with summer pruning.

MARIANNA 26-24 (Mari.)
Standard rootstock for apricots, plums, prunes, most almonds. Mature trees comparatively small, 15-20 ft. if unpruned; can be kept smaller with summer pruning. Shallow root system, much more tolerant of wet soils than Lovell or Nemaguard; is not tolerant of hot soils. Has tendency to sucker. Resistant to oak root fungus, root knot nematodes, root rot.

MYROBALAN 29C (Myro.)
Excellent, all-around rootstock for apricots, plums, almonds. Shallow but vigorous root system tolerates wet soils and is widely adapted; is more deeply rooted than Marianna. Resistant to root knot nematodes and has some resistance to oak root fungus. Unpruned tree height of standard varieties 15-25 ft., but can control size further with summer pruning. Winter hardy in Michigan.

NEMAGUARD (Nema.)
Standard rootstock for nectarines, peaches, apricots, plums, prunes, almonds. Vigorous, resists root knot nematodes. Excellent for well drained soils. In heavy or poorly drained soil, plant on mound or hill. May not be winter hardy below 5°F. Unpruned tree height of standard varieties 15-25 ft., size can be controlled further with summer pruning.