Harcot

Apricot

Size

Medium to large

Shape

Oblong; orange skin with red blush

Flavor

Sweet, rich apricot flavor

Texture

Firm, freestone, juicy

Ripening window

June - July

Best uses

Fresh eating, canning, baking, preserves

Pollination

Self-fertile - no pollinator needed, though cross-pollination with Chinese Mormon, Harglow, Hungarian Rose, or Blenheim within ~100 ft can increase yield

Tree size

12-16 ft on semi-dwarf (Mariana) rootstock; larger on standard rootstock

Notes

Bred at the Harrow Research Station in Ontario, Canada by Dr. Richard E.C. Layne, released 1977 (some nursery listings vaguely attribute it to "California, 1960s" - the Harrow origin is better documented). Part of the "Har-" series alongside Harglow, Hargrand, Harogem, and Harlayne - don't confuse it with those siblings if a nursery substitutes one when Harcot is out of stock. Chill requirement ~700 hours - the highest of your apricots, worth double-checking against local chill accumulation, though still typically met in Oak Point winters. Specifically selected for cold-hardiness and late flowering to dodge spring frost, with good resistance to brown rot, bacterial spot, and perennial canker - a solid pick for a humid zone 8a site.