{"title":"Early-Blooming Apricot Trees","description":"\u003cp\u003eApricots that bloom early, even for apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGive these your warmest, best-drained spot, out of low ground where cold air pools. If spring frost is a problem where you are, look at the late bloomers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRelated: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/late-blooming-apricot-trees\"\u003eLate-Blooming Apricots\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/apricot-trees\"\u003eApricot Trees\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"3rd-and-myrtle-apricot","title":"3rd and Myrtle Apricot (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3rd and Myrtle Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 4 in our ratings (winters to -30°F), and partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Our notes have it taking -25°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 650 hours (400 to 900). Seedlings vary, so this is based on the parent tree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#3rd-and-myrtle-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Its self-fertility has not been tested, so plant a different apricot nearby as a pollenizer for dependable crops. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/perfection-apricot\"\u003ePerfection Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/tomcot-apricot\"\u003eTomcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goldrich-apricot\"\u003eGoldrich Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 8 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), drying (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-6 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLook how orange those apricots are from the mother tree — no filter on the photo! These are seedlings from a very tasty, 40-year-old tree growing in Missoula, Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBred for Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese seedlings have been specifically selected for cold hardiness using Luke’s “Antifreeze Protein Selection” method. This process involves:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold stratifying seeds by deliberately freezing and thawing them\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003ePlanting only the seeds that survive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eExposing young trees (in pots) to natural freezing and thawing conditions without protection the following winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis 2-year process mimics the natural resistance found in native species like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chokecherry-bundle-of-5\"\u003echokecherry\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/serviceberry-bundle-of-5\"\u003eserviceberry\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSurvivor Stock: Zone 4 Apricots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eAfter extensive culling at the seed and one-year juvenile stages, these apricot trees — now going into their third year — have proven to be strong survivors. Their roots have withstood temperatures of -25°F or colder without any protection, making them ideal for colder climates. We are confidently listing these as Zone 4 hardy apricots, good to -30°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Qualities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor: Mellow sweetness that comes on later, with a sweet-tart balance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eUse: Excellent for fresh eating, drying, canning, and more\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSize \u0026amp; Color: Fruit measures approximately 1¾ inches, turning a deep, dark orange — another major bonus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eMissoula is technically in USDA Zone 5, though we can see temperatures close to -30°F due to advective freezes. Our diverse, mountainous landscapes cause unpredictable early-season cold snaps (sometimes -10°F in October). We do not use controlled crosses but instead allow nature to select for resilience:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSeeds are frozen and thawed during stratification\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFirst-year seedlings are left unprotected over winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSurvivors are selected for root resistance to ice recrystallization\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThis method favors trees that naturally express antifreeze proteins — compounds found in many overwintering plants that inhibit the growth and recrystallization of intercellular ice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis year's selection includes grafted stock from some of the best performers. So these are not seedlings, but rather grafted trees in which we used cuttings from the best performing seedlings.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about 3rd and Myrtle Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes 3rd and Myrtle Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. 3rd and Myrtle Apricot is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Its self-fertility has not been tested, so plant a different apricot nearby as a pollenizer for dependable crops. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/perfection-apricot\"\u003ePerfection Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/tomcot-apricot\"\u003eTomcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is 3rd and Myrtle Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate 3rd and Myrtle Apricot hardy to zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. Our notes have it taking -25°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does 3rd and Myrtle Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 650 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 900. That's based on the parent, 3rd and Myrtle mother tree (Missoula). Seedlings vary. Montana winters easily meet the chill; how early each tree blooms matters more for frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#3rd-and-myrtle-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does 3rd and Myrtle Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft 3rd and Myrtle Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is 3rd and Myrtle Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for 3rd and Myrtle Apricot are fresh eating (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10), drying (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat 3rd and Myrtle Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse 3rd and Myrtle Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does 3rd and Myrtle Apricot ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft or 5-6 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3rd and Myrtle\/Manchurian: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45124629463106,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3rd and Myrtle\/Manchurian: 5-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":45124629495874,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/3rd-and-myrtle-apricot-fruit-on-tree.webp?v=1789019153"},{"product_id":"manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2","title":"Manchurian Apricot (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manchurian Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), and partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Our notes have it taking -45°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (400 to 900). Seedlings vary, so this is based on the parent tree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), very early spring here. Plant both trees in the bundle, or add another early apricot such as Westcot or Morden 604, for better crops. Seedlings vary, and cross-pollination gives much more reliable fruit. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrnamental value (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), drying (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Manchurian apricots, whose genetics trace back to Northeast Asia, are among the cold-hardiest apricots available. The original mother trees come from a particularly frigid area in North Dakota and have survived temperatures as low as -45°F, and potentially even -50°F, but we're listing them conservatively as zone 2b (-45°F) until we have more data.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVariable but Promising Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe one caveat with Manchurian apricots is flavor variability. Because these are open-pollinated seedlings, the fruit quality can differ from tree to tree:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSome fruits may lean sour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOthers develop sweeter notes, especially if left to fully ripen on the tree. If you're selecting for resilience over uniform flavor, these are a fantastic choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual-Purpose Use: Rootstock or Orchard Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese seedlings can also be used as cold-hardy rootstock for grafting more refined varieties like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e, Brookcot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, other cold-adapted apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBud grafting is best done in early August.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Bundling Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile apricots are partially self-fertile, better fruit set generally occurs with some pollen diversity. Since these are genetically unique seedlings, each plant can serve as a pollenizer for the other, ensuring effective cross-pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSize\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable as: Bundles of 2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 2–3 ft. tall seedlings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3-5 ft. tall seedlings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Manchurian Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Manchurian Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Manchurian Apricot is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Plant both trees in the bundle, or add another early apricot such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, for better crops. Seedlings vary, and cross-pollination gives much more reliable fruit. Partners we carry include Morden 604 Apricot, Westcot Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Manchurian Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Manchurian Apricot hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Manchurian Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 900. That's based on the parent, Manchurian apricot. Seedlings vary. Montana winters meet their chill easily; the bigger risk is early bloom, so a spot that warms slowly in spring helps. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Manchurian Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Manchurian Apricot are ornamental value (8\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), drying (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Manchurian Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Manchurian Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Manchurian Apricot ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft or 6-8 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500862214210,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45156052205634,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/manchurian-apricot-on-tree.webp?v=1789020604"},{"product_id":"morden-604-apricot","title":"Morden 604 Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Morden 604 Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (400 to 800). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#morden-604-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), very early spring here. Self-fertile, so one tree can crop alone. Another early apricot such as Westcot nearby usually improves yields. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian Apricot (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/westcot-vs-debbies-gold-vs-morden-604\"\u003eWestcot vs Debbie's Gold vs Morden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/canadian-prairie-breeding-stations\"\u003ethe Canadian prairie breeding stations\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft or 7-9 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 is one of the earliest and most notable improved, ultra-hardy apricot varieties developed for the prairies. It was released in 1946 by the Agriculture Canada research facility in Morden, Manitoba, and represents a major milestone in cold-climate fruit breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding Background\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 is a cross between:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Scout’ – a seedling of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘McClure’ – another hardy cultivar with proven resilience\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe received our first harvest in Summer 2023 in Missoula, and the flavor did not disappoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuke’s tasting notes:\u003cbr\u003e“Creamy, and very sweet. It’s too bad we only got a few this first year. Looking forward to more.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Flavor Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavor: Creamy, sweet, and pleasant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Large fruit, averaging 4.5 cm (1¾\")\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor: Classic apricot tones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExceptional Cold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 is one of the most cold-hardy apricots available, with buds capable of withstanding -40°F or colder. It rivals (and possibly exceeds) the hardiness of other known cold-climate champions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold\u003c\/a\u003e: -41°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrookcot: -48°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e: -48°F near Bemidji, MN\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunrise: -50°F+\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe comfortably list this as a Zone 2b apricot, although it can be feast or famine the colder you are in terms of reliably getting a crop due to the blossoms getting damaged from late Spring frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree Size \u0026amp; Rootstock\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrafted onto: Full-size, cold-hardy Manchurian apricot rootstock\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature height: Up to 25 feet if left unpruned\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSizes available: Varies by inventory (see size options when ordering)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Morden 604 Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Morden 604 Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Morden 604 Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fertile, so one tree can crop alone. Another early apricot such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e nearby usually improves yields. Partners we carry include Westcot Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Morden 604 Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Morden 604 Apricot hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Morden 604 Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 800. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily. The real risk is early bloom, so a spot that warms slowly in spring helps dodge frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#morden-604-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Morden 604 Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Morden 604 Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Morden 604 Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Morden 604 Apricot are fresh eating (8\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), canning and freezing (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Morden 604 Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Morden 604 Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Morden 604 Apricot ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft or 7-9 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500894556226,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-6 ft. Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133941997634,"sku":null,"price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45133942030402,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 7-9 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500894588994,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/morden-604-apricot-in-hand.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"westcot-apricot","title":"Westcot Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Westcot Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apricot), and it ripens about Jul 26 to Aug 5 in Missoula (picked and dated at our place in Missoula).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Our notes have it taking -50°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (400 to 800). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#westcot-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), very early spring here. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. Adding another early apricot such as Morden 604 or Debbie's Gold gives heavier crops. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian Apricot (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 26 to Aug 5 in Missoula (picked and dated off our own trees). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/westcot-vs-debbies-gold-vs-morden-604\"\u003eWestcot vs Debbie's Gold vs Morden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere it came from\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRead about \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/canadian-prairie-breeding-stations\"\u003ethe Canadian prairie breeding stations\u003c\/a\u003e and what else came out of it.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft or 6-8 ft or 7-9 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWestcot is another standout cold-hardy prairie variety from Manitoba, bred for tough northern climates. Like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, it’s a cross between ‘Scout’ and ‘McClure’, but was introduced later in 1982 by Agriculture Canada at Morden, MB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness \u0026amp; Climate Adaptation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eHardy to: -48°F (proven in Bemidji, MN). Zone: 2b (we're listing it conservatively at -45°F until we have more data). Bloom time is just before \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold\u003c\/a\u003e. Second only to Sunrise (hardy to -50°F+) in terms of extreme cold resilience amongst named varieties (that we know of).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSelf-Fertile \u0026amp; High-Yielding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eSelf-fertile, so no pollination partner is required, although greater yields may be obtained if planted with Debbie's Gold, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sungold-apricot\"\u003eSungold\u003c\/a\u003e, Morden 604, or some of the other Prairie Province apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFrom Bob Purvis:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Westcot is sweet (18° Brix), with yellow-orange skin, good for fresh eating and firm enough to can. Tree vigor is moderate, growth habit is irregular but can be trained with spreaders. Average production on two 9-year-old trees in SW Minnesota was 200 lb\/tree in 2010.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRipens in mid-July in southern Minnesota. In Missoula, it ripens anywhere from last week of July to first week of August. In Homedale, it was ripe when we filmed our \"\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/G06qBrYmMWU?si=lsS-T4tKwVokPG2F\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Luke Ruffner Robinson of Montana Fruit Tree Co and Bob Purvis of Purvis Nursery and Orchard get together on Bob's farm to discuss cold climate apricot growing \" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eCold Climate Apricot Growing with Bob Purvis\u003c\/a\u003e\" on July 8th 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Qualities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet, 18° Brix\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTexture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Firm enough for canning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkin color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yellow-orange\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh eating, canning, and potentially drying\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eRootstock: Grafted onto cold-hardy \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, which can reach up to 25 feet if left unpruned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Westcot Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Westcot Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Westcot Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fertile, so a single tree will set fruit. Adding another early apricot such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold\u003c\/a\u003e gives heavier crops. Partners we carry include Morden 604 Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, Debbie's Gold Apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Westcot Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Westcot Apricot hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -50°F. We're listing it conservatively until we have more data. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Westcot Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 800. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily. The real risk is early bloom, so a spot that warms slowly in spring helps dodge frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#westcot-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Westcot Apricot ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 26 to Aug 5 in Missoula, Montana (picked and dated off our own trees). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Westcot Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Westcot Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Westcot Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Westcot Apricot are fresh eating (8\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Westcot Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Westcot Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42511194357826,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45144385945666,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144385978434,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144477073474,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 7-9 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144386011202,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/westcot-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021309"},{"product_id":"montana-mango-apricot","title":"Montana Mango Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Montana Mango Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), and partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 3 only (winters to -35°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (400 to 800). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#montana-mango-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), very early spring here. No one has tested whether it sets fruit alone, so plant another early apricot, such as Westcot or Morden 604, as a pollenizer for reliable crops. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian Apricot (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (9\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eLuke was completely taken aback the first time he tasted this wild, presumably \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e seedling, which has been thriving in Missoula for at least 75 years. Introduced to us by our friend Doug Hawes-Davis in 2020, this is hands down the best-tasting Manchurian apricot seedling we've ever tried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eDespite several setbacks in grafting this variety (entirely due to our own errors), we're thrilled to finally offer it grafted onto Manchurian Apricot, which should be well worth growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eA Flavor That Surprises: Notes of Mango\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWhen Luke first bit into the fruit, the flavor immediately reminded him of mango. The ripe fruit has a sweet-tart profile with intensely tropical notes and a color to match—rich yellow with an orangish-red blush, just like a mango.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to at least -35°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eMay be even hardier, though the mother tree grows in a somewhat protected location\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIt survived the sub -30°F winters of the 1980s, giving us confidence in its resilience\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eWhile most Manchurian apricots are known to handle even colder temperatures, we are erring on the side of caution in listing its hardiness until we have more data.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Montana Mango Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Montana Mango Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Montana Mango Apricot is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. No one has tested whether it sets fruit alone, so plant another early apricot, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, as a pollenizer for reliable crops. Partners we carry include Morden 604 Apricot, Westcot Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Montana Mango Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Montana Mango Apricot hardy to zone 3b, which means winters down to about -35°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Montana Mango Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 800. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily. The real risk is early bloom, so a spot that warms slowly in spring helps dodge frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Montana Mango Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Montana Mango Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Montana Mango Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Montana Mango Apricot are fresh eating (9\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Montana Mango Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Montana Mango Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Montana Mango Apricot ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft or 6-8 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42500892000322,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45133932953666,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500892033090,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/montana-mango-apricot-harvest.webp?v=1789020640"},{"product_id":"debbies-gold-apricot","title":"Debbie's Gold Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Debbie's Gold Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apricot), and it ripens about Jul 28 to Aug 8 in Missoula (our Missoula estimate).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 650 hours (450 to 850). Our estimate. No published figure exists for this variety yet. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Self-fruitful per Bob Purvis, though crops are better with a second early apricot such as Westcot, Morden 604 or Manchurian nearby as a pollenizer. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/perfection-apricot\"\u003ePerfection Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/tomcot-apricot\"\u003eTomcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 8 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRipens\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout Jul 28 to Aug 8 in Missoula (a Missoula estimate from published sources). Real years swing about a week either way. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ripening-map\"\u003eSee the date for your town\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. Plant about 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCanning and freezing (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10), cooking and roasting (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompare it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/westcot-vs-debbies-gold-vs-morden-604\"\u003eWestcot vs Debbie's Gold vs Morden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, side by side on hardiness, pollination, ripening and fruit.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 4-6 ft or 5-7 ft or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"185\" data-end=\"199\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"200\" data-end=\"604\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold Apricot is a cold-climate apricot originating from the Canadian prairies, where it was selected for its ability to survive harsh winters while still producing high-quality fruit. It has earned a strong reputation among northern growers as one of the better-flavored hardy apricots for areas where apricots are often considered marginal. Still blooms fairly early, so this part it always a risk in the Spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"606\" data-end=\"657\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing (Manchurian Rootstock)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"658\" data-end=\"1110\"\u003eOur Debbie's Gold are all grafted onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e rootstock. Debbie’s Gold grows as a vigorous, upright to spreading tree with good structural strength and anchorage. Manchurian rootstock is equally cold hardy (-50F) and adaptable to our dry, alkaline soils. Trees should be spaced approximately 15 ft. apart (or more for less dense spacing). With pruning, size can be managed, but this is not a dwarf tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1112\" data-end=\"1138\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1139\" data-end=\"1659\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold produces medium-sized, golden-yellow apricots with firm, sweet flesh. The fruit is well suited for fresh eating, drying, canning, preserves, sauces, and desserts. While we did not have the opportunity to taste Debbie’s Gold specifically in our video, its reputation for flavor aligns closely with the types of hardy apricots we discussed in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1491\" data-end=\"1584\"\u003e\u003ca data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1582\" class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G06qBrYmMWU\"\u003eCold Climate Fruit Growing with Bob Purvis\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-i9agxugi.svg#304883\" fill=\"currentColor\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, where fruit quality, genetics, and cold adaptation are explored in depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1139\" data-end=\"1659\"\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie's Gold is at least partially self-fertile, like most apricots, although fruit set\/productivity will be higher if planted with any of our other Prairie Province apricots, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, as well as Manchurian, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1681\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1682\" data-end=\"2074\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold is hardy to zone 2b (-45°F), having withstood temps into the -40Fs. Both the wood and buds have shown good tolerance to severe winter temperatures typical of prairie and northern mountain climates. Like many hardy apricots, it tends to shut down earlier in fall than tender varieties, which helps reduce winter injury and improves survival in regions with early cold snaps and long winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Debbie's Gold itself. Photos of Debbie's Gold are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Marelica Kečkemetska ruža - zreli plodovi na grani” by Silverije, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Marelica_Ke%C4%8Dkemetska_ru%C5%BEa_-_zreli_plodovi_na_grani.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 4.0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Debbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Debbie's Gold Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Debbie's Gold Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fruitful per Bob Purvis, though crops are better with a second early apricot such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e or Manchurian nearby as a pollenizer. Partners we carry include Morden 604 Apricot, Westcot Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/perfection-apricot\"\u003ePerfection Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Debbie's Gold Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Debbie's Gold Apricot hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Debbie's Gold Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 650 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 450 and 850. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily. The real risk is early bloom, so a spot that warms slowly in spring helps dodge frost. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Debbie's Gold Apricot ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Jul 28 to Aug 8 in Missoula, Montana (an estimate built from published sources and our climate). Warmer places run earlier and cooler places later; our ripening map converts the date to your town.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Debbie's Gold Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Debbie's Gold Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Debbie's Gold Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Debbie's Gold Apricot are canning and freezing (8\/10), fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), pies and baking (6\/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Debbie's Gold Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Debbie's Gold Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 3-5 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499020456002,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125634097218,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42499020521538,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45125634129986,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size Rootstock: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45125634162754,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/golden-yellow-apricots-on-branch.jpg?v=1791615372"},{"product_id":"morden-604-apricot-seedling","title":"Morden 604 Apricot Seedling (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Morden 604 Apricot Seedling is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 2b in our ratings (winters to -45°F), and partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 2 of 7, early for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 2b to 7. The b means the warmer half of zone 2 only (winters to -45°F). Our notes have it taking -40°F. Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 600 hours (400 to 900). Seedlings vary, so this is based on the parent tree. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#morden-604-apricot-seedling\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 2 of 7 (early), very early spring here. Each seedling is genetically different, and self-fertility is not guaranteed. Plant both trees, or another early apricot, as pollenizers. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 6 more. Bloom group is our estimate from the variety's origin and relatives. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpacing\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJams and jellies (6\/10). Scores are our own 1 to 10 ratings; 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThese are seedlings, so every tree is a little different. What's below describes the parent, Morden 604, and we don't have long-term data from our own seedlings yet.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are seedlings of Morden 604, one of the hardiest named apricots there is. Apricots don't come exactly true from seed, so each one is a new tree with Morden 604 as the mother.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 was released in 1946 by Agriculture Canada's research station in Morden, Manitoba, from a cross of Scout and McClure. Morden 604 seedlings have been put to use before. An open-pollinated Morden 604 seedling became a parent in the Harrow, Ontario apricot breeding program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe got our first Morden 604 harvest in Missoula in the summer of 2023. Luke's notes: \"Creamy, and very sweet.\" Agriculture Canada described the fruit as 4 to 5 cm, golden yellow becoming darker and reddish, ripe in early August at Morden and \"good for eating and cooking.\" Seed-grown apricots vary in quality, so your seedlings may be better or worse than the parent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are seedlings on their own roots, which makes them full size apricots that can reach 20 to 25 feet unpruned. Plan on about 15 feet between trees, or more if you want less pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604 is self-fertile, and apricots in general are at least partly self-fertile. Since each seedling in the bundle is genetically different, they'll also pollenize each other for better fruit set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorden 604's flower buds are hardy to -40F or colder according to Bob Purvis, and Purvis reports it cropping after its buds saw -42F. We list the grafted parent as a zone 2 apricot. Seedlings will vary, and we list these at 2b. Keep in mind that the colder you are, the more apricots are feast or famine on crops, because late spring frosts can take the blossoms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Morden 604 Apricot Seedling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Morden 604 Apricot Seedling need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Morden 604 Apricot Seedling is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. Each seedling is genetically different, and self-fertility is not guaranteed. Plant both trees, or another early apricot, as pollenizers. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Morden 604 Apricot Seedling?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Morden 604 Apricot Seedling hardy to zone 2b, which means winters down to about -45°F. Our notes have it taking -40°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Morden 604 Apricot Seedling need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 600 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 900. That's based on the parent, Morden 604. Seedlings vary. Chill won't hold them back in Montana; early bloom and spring frost are the main risk. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#morden-604-apricot-seedling\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Morden 604 Apricot Seedling good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Morden 604 Apricot Seedling are jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Morden 604 Apricot Seedling?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Morden 604 Apricot Seedling now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Morden 604 Apricot Seedling ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-4 ft or 4-6 ft or 6-8 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-4 ft.","offer_id":45133988528194,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42500895277122,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45133988560962,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/morden-604-apricot-seedling-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"tomcot-apricot","title":"Tomcot Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tomcot Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 4 from other growers' reports (winters to -30°F), and partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 3 of 7, early-mid for an apricot).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mft-facts-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHardy to\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 4 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Find your zone with our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"mft-chill\"\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChill hours\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAbout 500 hours (400 to 600). From published figures. Montana winters give it plenty. In milder climates, make sure your winters average at least this much. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003eCheck your chill hours\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#tomcot-apricot\"\u003esee our sources\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePollination\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePartially Self-Fertile. Bloom group 3 of 7 (early-mid), very early spring here. Tomcot sets some fruit alone but crops much better with another apricot nearby as a pollenizer. Its long bloom period helps it overlap many other apricots. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/perfection-apricot\"\u003ePerfection Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/3rd-and-myrtle-apricot\"\u003e3rd and Myrtle Apricot (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goldrich-apricot\"\u003eGoldrich Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 8 more. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRootstock and size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eManchurian: full size, about 15 to 20 ft tall unpruned. The hardiest apricot root there is. Plant about 15 ft apart. \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rootstocks\"\u003eOur rootstock guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGood for\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), drying (6\/10). Scores are our 1 to 10 ratings, but we're still new to this one, so they lean on published descriptions and other growers rather than our own harvests. 8 and up makes our Best Of lists.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSometimes damaged by deer.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. Shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring, roots wrapped in moist sawdust. Guaranteed to bud out.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is our first year growing Tomcot, so everything below is secondhand until we get more long-term data from our own mother trees.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTomcot is an early, large, firm apricot from Washington State University. It ripens a couple of weeks ahead of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wenatchee-moorpark-apricot\"\u003eWenatchee Moorpark\u003c\/a\u003e, and Bob Purvis says it has performed well in Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was bred by Tom Toyama at WSU's research center in Prosser, Washington, and patented in 1989 as PA 7005-8. According to the patent, it was picked out in 1974 from 166 seedlings of a cross between Rival and P63-265, which is an open-pollinated seedling of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goldrich-apricot\"\u003eGoldrich\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit and Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patent describes large, oval, firm fruit about 2¼ inches across when thinned, light orange with a trace of blush, and flesh that's firm, fine-grained, meaty, moderately juicy and sweet. Dave Wilson Nursery calls the flavor \"slightly tart, old-time apricot flavor.\" It ripens about two and a half weeks before Wenatchee Moorpark, around July 7 at Prosser. The patent says it has long storage and shelf life and is very good fresh, \"however, canning quality is poor.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit and Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patent calls it large and vigorous, \"very vigorous when placed on apricot seedling rootstocks,\" which is what ours are on. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e makes a full size tree of about 15 to 20 feet unpruned, so plan on about 15 feet between trees, or more if you want less pruning. Purvis notes above average tolerance to spring frosts and a long bloom period, and says it has performed well on the East Coast and in Montana, Washington, Nevada and Idaho.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTomcot is partially self-fertile. The patent says it \"may not require cross-pollination under some growing conditions,\" but most sources recommend another apricot for bigger crops. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/3rd-and-myrtle-apricot\"\u003e3rd and Myrtle\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/corbett-apricot\"\u003eCorbett\u003c\/a\u003e all work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe patent doesn't mention winter hardiness, and we haven't found a documented survival temperature. Dave Wilson rates it USDA zone 4, and Purvis says it has done well in Montana and Wyoming. We've listed it at zone 4.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Tomcot itself. Photos of Tomcot are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Apricots-824626” by 夏沐沐, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Apricots-824626.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC0\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Tomcot Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Tomcot Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Tomcot Apricot is partially self-fertile, so it sets some fruit alone but crops much better with another apricot nearby as a pollenizer. Its long bloom period helps it overlap many other apricots. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/perfection-apricot\"\u003ePerfection Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/3rd-and-myrtle-apricot\"\u003e3rd and Myrtle Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e (Bundle of 2).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Tomcot Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe list Tomcot Apricot at zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. That comes from Dave Wilson's USDA zone 4 rating and Bob Purvis's reports of it doing well in Montana and Wyoming, not from our own winters yet. We'll update it once we've wintered our own trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow many chill hours does Tomcot Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 500 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 400 and 600. That comes from published figures for this variety. Low chill for an apricot, but it needs lots of spring heat to bloom (most of 10 varieties in one study), which slightly delays flowering. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours\"\u003echill hours guide\u003c\/a\u003e has a calculator for your winters, and our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/chill-hours-research#tomcot-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Tomcot Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Tomcot Apricot onto Manchurian (full size), which makes a tree roughly 15 to 20 ft tall if you never prune it. Plant about 15 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Tomcot Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Tomcot Apricot are fresh eating (7\/10), pies and baking (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10), drying (6\/10). Since we're still new to it, those scores lean on the patent and published descriptions rather than our own harvests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Tomcot Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Tomcot Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Tomcot Apricot ship?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dormant bare-root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 3-5 ft or 5-7 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45177262145602,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45177262178370,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ripe-apricots-on-branch.jpg?v=1791616149"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/collections\/debbies-gold-apricot-in-hand.jpg?v=1792787081","url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/early-blooming-apricot-trees.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}