Prunus armeniaca Harcot - Apricot Tree

The 'Harcot' apricot tree, selected in Canada, is appreciated for its cold resistance (down to -20°C (-4°F)) and its good disease resistance. It is a variety that will easily adapt to colder regions in winter. However, choose a sunny and sheltered location to maximize your chances of success. By the end of July, you will harvest medium-sized fruits with orange skin tinged with red on the sunny side, with firm, sweet, and slightly juicy flesh. Self-fertile, one tree is enough to obtain fruits. Good disease resistance.

Prunus armeniaca was introduced to the Mediterranean basin from Armenia, hence its name. The apricot tree then thrived in the south where it is still widely cultivated. It forms a small rounded tree that can reach 3 to 5m (10 to 16ft) in height. Its deciduous leaves are a beautiful bright green, slightly heart-shaped, and turn yellow in autumn before falling.

The flowering of Prunus armeniaca 'Harcot' occurs late, in April-May, which largely protects it from frost. Typical of Rosaceae, the flower has 5 petals that are slightly pinkish white and red sepals. Ephemeral, they are slightly fragrant.

They are followed by apricots, which are medium-sized and slightly elongated. Their skin is orange and tinged with red on the sunny side. Their flesh is firm, fine, sweet, and slightly juicy. Of good taste quality, they are known not to fall when ripe, which occurs towards the end of July.
The 'Harcot' variety is self-fertile (one tree is enough to obtain fruits), but the presence of other varieties of apricot trees nearby can lead to a better harvest.
Harcot apricots are preferably consumed fresh, although they can also be dried or used in compote, jam, or tart. Apricots can easily be used in sweet-savoury cuisine, for example in a tagine.