Harcot Apricot Tree

Harcot is a cold-hardy apricot with orange, freestone fruit and a late, frost-hardy bloom. The cultivar is self-compatible, though planting another apricot variety can improve the chance of a full crop; its blossoms open late enough to avoid some spring frosts, but not every freeze. [UC Davis Foundation Plant Services](https://fps.ucdavis.edu/treedetails.cfm?v=3438) records its cultivar identity, fruit, pollination, and USDA zone rating. ## Fruit and season The medium-to-large fruit has yellow-orange skin and sweet, juicy orange flesh. Harcot ripens about a week before Blenheim and is useful fresh, dried, or canned. UC Davis lists 700 chill hours and zones 5–9. Local bloom and harvest dates shift with climate. ## Growth and placement The tree is described as large, vigorous, productive, and upright to spreading. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil and leave room for a mature fruit tree. For best fruit set, pair it with a compatible apricot that flowers during the same local window. ## Maintenance Water consistently during establishment and fruit development, then adjust to rainfall and soil drainage. Prune in dry weather according to local apricot practice, maintain airflow through the crown, and collect fallen fruit around paths and patios.