{"title":"Late-Blooming Apricot Trees","description":"\u003cp\u003eApricots that bloom late for apricots. Apricots are the first fruit to bloom, so late frost is the biggest risk, and a few extra days can save the crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore About Late-Blooming Apricot Trees\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eZard and Wayne bloom very late. Precious, Dr 606, Alice Sharp and Harlayne bloom late too. Even a late apricot wants your warmest, best-drained spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn this page: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harlayne-apricot\"\u003eHarlayne Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wayne-apricot\"\u003eWayne Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eZard Apricot Seedling\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelated: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/apricot-trees\"\u003eApricot Trees\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/late-blooming-fruit-trees\"\u003eLate-Blooming Fruit Trees\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eApricot Pollination Map\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions We Get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the latest-blooming apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard and Wayne bloom very late for apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhere should I plant an apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a slope or near the south side of a building, out of low spots where cold air pools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"alice-sharp-apricot","title":"Alice Sharp Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alice Sharp Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late 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 800 hours (600 to 1,000). 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#alice-sharp-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 5 of 7 (mid-late), very early spring here. Self-fruitful, so one tree can set fruit. Another later-blooming apricot such as Harlayne or Hardy Iowa nearby will help crops. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harlayne-apricot\"\u003eHarlayne Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wenatchee-moorpark-apricot\"\u003eWenatchee Moorpark Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chinese-apricot\"\u003eChinese Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 4 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 (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\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBare root, 4-5 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\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot is one of the apricot varieties we only recently started growing. Alice Sharp is a chance seedling discovered in Illinois, where it does well. It blooms later and produces small to medium-sized, very pale yellow, sweet fruits. We haven’t tried the fruit first hand, so we don’t have much to go on in terms of flavor other than “sweet.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has an upright to spreading growth habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has been noted to survive at least down to -34°F in southwest Minnesota. The fruits are fragile and can bruise easily, so it’s best suited for home growers or small, local producers. Hardy to zone 3b.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Alice Sharp itself. Photos of Alice Sharp are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “a bunch of fruit hanging from a tree (Apricots in abundance)” by JOGphotos, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-bunch-of-fruit-hanging-from-a-tree-4nsvGEA3Lu4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUnsplash\u003c\/a\u003e, under the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eUnsplash License\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Alice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Alice Sharp Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Alice Sharp Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fruitful, so one tree can set fruit. Another later-blooming apricot such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harlayne-apricot\"\u003eHarlayne\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa\u003c\/a\u003e nearby will help crops. Partners we carry include Hardy Iowa Apricot, Harlayne Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wenatchee-moorpark-apricot\"\u003eWenatchee Moorpark Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Alice Sharp Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Alice Sharp 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 Alice Sharp Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily, and its later bloom gives it a better shot at missing spring frosts than early prairie apricots. 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#alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Alice Sharp Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Alice Sharp 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 Alice Sharp Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Alice Sharp Apricot are fresh eating (7\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Alice Sharp Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Alice Sharp Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Alice Sharp 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: 4-5 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: 4-5 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":45124743528514,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42498753495106,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/pale-yellow-apricots-on-branch_9fdebdb7-76be-4790-9588-9a972b20d2ae.jpg?v=1791615247"},{"product_id":"dr-606-apricot","title":"Dr 606 Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dr 606 Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 3b in our ratings (winters to -35°F), self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 6 of 7, late for an apricot), and it ripens about Aug 26 to Sep 7 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 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 800 hours (600 to 1,000). 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#dr-606-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 6 of 7 (late), very early spring here. Self-fruitful, so it can crop alone. Planting Precious or Zard nearby as a pollenizer helps fruit set in cool, marginal springs. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 5 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 Aug 26 to Sep 7 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\u003eFresh eating (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/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, 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\u003eDr. 606 Apricot is a cold-climate apricot selection originating from British Columbia and associated with long-term evaluation by fruit growing legend Bob Purvis, from whom we obtained scionwood for grafting these trees. It is valued for its late bloom, very late ripening, and solid winter survival in northern growing regions. While clearly hardy, Dr. 606 is generally considered less extreme in cold tolerance than the prairie province apricots, which were selected under harsher continental conditions. Instead, Dr. 606 occupies a middle ground: tougher than most commercial apricots, but not as bulletproof as the hardiest prairie selections, but it’s best quality is that it is later blooming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 forms an upright to spreading tree with low to moderate vigor. Growth is balanced rather than aggressive, allowing the tree to develop a strong framework without excessive vegetative growth. On standard rootstock, which is the case here as we have grafted these onto \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, trees should be spaced approximately 15 feet apart to allow for adequate light penetration and airflow. The moderate vigor makes it easier to manage with pruning and well suited to mixed orchards and diversified plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit of Dr. 606 is medium sized, orange, very firm, and sweet. The firmness gives it excellent eating quality when chilled and makes it especially enjoyable with cold desserts. Ripening is very late for an apricot, typically mid-August in central Washington, or about a week after \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harlayne-apricot\"\u003eHarlayne\u003c\/a\u003e, extending the apricot season beyond most cold-hardy cultivars. The fruit is best suited for fresh eating and simple dessert use rather than early-season processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 has demonstrated winter survival to at least −34°F in southwestern Minnesota. While this places it solidly among cold-hardy apricots, it is likely not as hardy as the prairie province apricots, (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie's Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, Brookcot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, etc.) which were bred and selected under more severe winter conditions. Dr. 606 is best considered a USDA Hardiness Zone 3b apricot, and while it may succeed in favorable microclimates in the colder half of zone 3, it should not be relied upon as a full zone 3 cultivar. That said, its later-blooming habit significantly improves reliability by reducing exposure to spring frost events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination \u0026amp; Fruit Set\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. 606 is self-fruitful and capable of setting fruit on its own. However, as with many self-fertile apricots, fruit set may be improved and stabilized by planting with other late-flowering apricots. Suitable companions include cultivars such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e, which bloom on a similar schedule and can enhance cross-pollination during marginal spring conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Spring 2027, these trees are older and were grafted onto the hardy Manchurian apricot in 2025. Going on their third year (rootstock fourth year).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Dr 606 Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Dr 606 Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Dr 606 Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fruitful, so it can crop alone. Planting \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e nearby as a pollenizer helps fruit set in cool, marginal springs. Partners we carry include Precious Apricot, Zard Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Dr 606 Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Dr 606 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 Dr 606 Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily, and its later bloom gives it a better shot at missing spring frosts than early prairie apricots. 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#dr-606-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Dr 606 Apricot ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 26 to Sep 7 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 Dr 606 Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Dr 606 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 Dr 606 Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Dr 606 Apricot are fresh eating (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Dr 606 Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Dr 606 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: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping","offer_id":42499027697730,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/dr-606-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019845"},{"product_id":"precious-apricot","title":"Precious Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Precious Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 6 of 7, late 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 3 to 8. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -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 800 hours (600 to 1,000). 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#precious-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 6 of 7 (late), very early spring here. Self-fruitful, so one tree can set fruit. Dr 606 or Zard nearby as a pollenizer helps fruit set in poor bloom weather. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 5 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 (7\/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 3-4 ft or 4-6 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\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"14\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"15\" data-end=\"329\"\u003ePrecious is a remarkably cold-hardy and uncommon apricot valued for its late bloom, disease resistance, and ability to produce reliably in climates where most apricots fail. It has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable apricots for northern growers, particularly in regions with frequent spring frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"331\" data-end=\"353\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"354\" data-end=\"801\"\u003eAccording to Whiffletree Nursery, Precious originates from an old apricot tree discovered just south of Georgian Bay. Around 1900, the Fruit Growers Association brought hardy apricot seedlings from Russia into the region, and this tree is suspected to be one of those early introductions. Precious has since proven itself as a dependable producer in Quebec and the New England states, contributing to its reputation as a true cold-climate apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"831\"\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"832\" data-end=\"1020\"\u003eFruit is small to medium in size with thick yellow-orange skin and sweet, melting flesh. The pit contains an edible, almond-like kernel, a trait associated with some hardy apricot lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1348\"\u003eLuke’s tasting notes from this video \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=G06qBrYmMWU\u0026amp;t=1084s\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e describe the flavor as:\u003cbr data-start=\"1066\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003e“Mango flavor similar to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango\u003c\/a\u003e with a hint of acidity. Not quite the flavor you get when biting into a dried Turkish apricot. Doesn’t have too much sweetness but nice acidity from the skin. The texture is somewhat crunchy and the flesh doesn’t crumble. Very good flavor.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1350\" data-end=\"1360\"\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1594\"\u003ePrecious is well suited to fresh eating and also performs well for drying and preserves. Its balanced acidity and firm texture help the fruit hold together, making it versatile in the kitchen compared to many softer-fleshed apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1596\" data-end=\"1630\"\u003eBloom Time \u0026amp; Frost Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1631\" data-end=\"1879\"\u003ePrecious is a relatively late-blooming apricot and is noted for handling late spring frosts unusually well. This characteristic, combined with good disease resistance, makes it far more reliable than standard apricot varieties in marginal climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1881\" data-end=\"1914\"\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1915\" data-end=\"2141\"\u003eTrees are productive and consistent once established. While apricots are never entirely without risk in cold climates, Precious stands out for its ability to set crops under conditions that regularly eliminate other varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2143\" data-end=\"2163\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2164\" data-end=\"2412\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003ePrecious is widely regarded as one of the hardier apricots in cultivation. Purvis lists it hardy to around -41F. Its long track record in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States supports its use in cold regions, where winter temperatures and late frosts limit apricot success. Solid Zone 3 apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Precious Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Precious Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Precious Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fruitful, so one tree can set fruit. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e nearby as a pollenizer helps fruit set in poor bloom weather. Partners we carry include Dr 606 Apricot, Zard Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Precious Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Precious Apricot hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -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 Precious Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily, and its later bloom gives it a better shot at missing spring frosts than early prairie apricots. 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#precious-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Precious Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Precious 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 Precious Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Precious Apricot are fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Precious Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Precious Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Precious 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 3-4 ft or 4-6 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":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":42503549616194,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-4 ft. (One Year Older)","offer_id":42503549583426,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42751578865730,"sku":null,"price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/precious-apricot-on-tree.png?v=1789020829"},{"product_id":"zard-apricot","title":"Zard Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zard Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 4 in our ratings (winters to -30°F), and self-fertile, so one tree can crop (bloom group 7 of 7, very late 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 -33°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 900 hours (700 to 1,300). 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#zard-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 7 of 7 (very late), very early spring here. Self-fertile, so one tree can crop. Dr 606 or Precious nearby as a pollenizer can improve fruit set. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wayne-apricot\"\u003eWayne Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eZard Apricot Seedling (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e. \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 (8\/10), drying (7\/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. 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\u003eZard is a heritage Iranian apricot valued in cold and frost-prone climates for one defining trait: it stays dormant longer than most apricots (but also incredible flavor!). That very late bloom habit can dramatically improve cropping reliability in places where winter thaws and early spring warmth routinely trigger premature bloom in other cultivars. Many of the prairie province apricots can withstand colder mid-winter extreme temps, but bloom earlier in the Spring. Zard also stands out as a pale yellow, very sweet apricot with a sweet kernel, placing it in the long Central and West Asian tradition of apricots selected as much for eating quality and drying potential as for hardiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard is an old apricot cultivar from Iran with no documented modern breeding-program parentage; it is treated as a traditional cultivar rather than a named cross. The name Zard comes from Persian زرد, meaning yellow, and it is closely tied to the Persian word for apricot, زردآلو (zard-ālū). In other words, Zard is not a marketing name—its identity is embedded in the Persian language itself, reflecting both color and cultural familiarity. Zard’s late bloom behavior is repeatedly attributed to a combination of high chilling requirement and a need for substantial spring heat before budbreak, which helps explain why it avoids false-spring bloom events and later frosts better than many even cold hardy apricots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard produces medium-sized, pale yellow fruit that are notably sweet when fully ripe, but also other wonderful flavor notes. This is Luke's favorite apricot he has ever tried, along with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/montana-mango-apricot\"\u003eMontana Mango\u003c\/a\u003e. A distinctive, well-attested trait is its large pit with a sweet kernel, which is unusual enough to merit mention because it connects Zard to traditional West and Central Asian apricots where kernels are sometimes valued. Zard is excellent for fresh eating at full ripeness and is also a strong candidate for drying and preserves in climates where the fruit can be ripened thoroughly on the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard has a very upright growth habit, tending toward narrower branch angles unless trained early. That upright structure makes training important in snow, wind, and heavy-crop regions—opening the canopy and building strong scaffold angles early will pay off long-term with better light penetration, easier pruning, and reduced breakage risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Zard on Manchurian full-size rootstock, which is the most cold hardy apricot rootstock in our experience. in multiple size variants. On standard \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e rootstock, a spacing of approximately 15 feet between trees is a proven, practical baseline that balances canopy development with adequate light and airflow. If you want a larger tree with less pruning over time, give it more room; if you plan to prune annually and keep the canopy tighter, 15 feet remains a dependable standard spacing for managed trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard is self-fertile and can set fruit as a standalone tree, but fruit set can be improved and stabilized by cross-pollination, especially in marginal spring conditions when weather reduces pollinator activity. Other late flowering cultivars we offer that overlap wit Zard's bloom window include Dr. 606 and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e. That said, the prairie province apricots should also overlap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard’s main reliability advantage is late bloom, but it also has a real, concrete cold-performance datapoint: it has been documented to withstand −33°F in southwestern Minnesota and still bear a full crop. That speaks not only to wood survival but to functional flowering and fruiting after a severe winter event. Like all apricots, true “limit temps” depend on dormancy state, site conditions, and winter pattern, so the most defensible approach is to anchor hardiness to documented events and observed performance rather than optimistic generalities. Purvis notes that its mid-winter extreme hardiness is in the low -40Fs. Even though it has survived colder temps, that may have been an outlier, since the tree was in deep soils on John Fearst's orchard in southwest Minnesota. We're listing it as hardy to zone 4 (-30°F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating detail about Zard is how directly it ties into Persian language and fruit culture: زرد means yellow, and زردآلو is the common Persian word for apricot, reinforcing that Zard is a deeply rooted, traditional cultivar identity rather than a modern reinvention. On disease resistance, there are no trustworthy, variety-specific claims that Zard has exceptional resistance to major apricot diseases. The most accurate framing is to manage it like other apricots: emphasize airflow and sun, avoid overly lush nitrogen-driven growth, protect trunks in harsh microclimates, and prioritize pruning hygiene to reduce canker and rot pressures in stressful years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Zard Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Zard Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Zard Apricot is self-fertile, so a single tree can set fruit. Self-fertile, so one tree can crop. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e nearby as a pollenizer can improve fruit set. Partners we carry include Dr 606 Apricot, Precious Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wayne-apricot\"\u003eWayne Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Zard Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Zard Apricot hardy to zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. Our notes have it taking -33°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 Zard Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 900 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,300. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. The latest-blooming apricot we sell, likely from a higher chill and heat need. That late bloom is its big frost advantage. 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#zard-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Zard Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Zard 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 Zard Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Zard Apricot are fresh eating (8\/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 Zard Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Zard Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Zard 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":42511544713282,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 5-7 ft.","offer_id":42511544680514,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 4-6 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42751578046530,"sku":null,"price":84.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 6-8 ft. (One Year Older) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":45144936710210,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/zard-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021379"},{"product_id":"harlayne-apricot","title":"Harlayne Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harlayne Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 4 in our ratings (winters to -30°F), not self-fertile, so it needs a different variety nearby as a pollenizer (bloom group 5 of 7, mid-late for an apricot), and it ripens about Aug 15 to Aug 27 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 4 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 4, colder half included (winters to -30°F). Our notes have it taking -34°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 800 hours (700 to 1,000). 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#harlayne-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\u003eNeeds Cross-Pollination. Bloom group 5 of 7 (mid-late), very early spring here. Harlayne needs a different later-blooming apricot nearby as a pollenizer. Precious is a good choice from our list. Good partners we carry: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wenatchee-moorpark-apricot\"\u003eWenatchee Moorpark Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e and 4 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 Aug 15 to Aug 27 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. \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), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/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. 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\u003eAlthough we have grown Harlayne for about 5 years now, we had issues with it at one of our grow sites and therefore we do not have a whole lot of experience with it, or the fruit. So everything here is second hand:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarlayne Apricot is a fairly cold-climate apricot from the Harrow Research Station (Agriculture Canada \/ AAFC) in Harrow, Ontario, introduced in 1980 by breeder Richard E. C. Layne. Its published parentage is the cross V51092 × Sun Glo, with V51092 documented as [(Reliable × open-pollinated) × open-pollinated]. Harlayne was bred to extend the apricot season and to perform in climates with real winter and spring-frost risk, and it is widely considered one of the hardiest cultivars in the Harrow “Har” series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit Quality \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarlayne produces orange fruit with a red blush, typically firm-fleshed with good texture, and it is commonly described as suitable for both fresh use and processing. Because of its firmness, it is often recommended for canning and other kitchen uses where fruit needs to hold together. In northern climates it is also valued simply because it can produce a crop in years when many apricots lose blossoms to frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Productivity\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tree is commonly described as spreading and productive. It tends to bloom later than many apricots, which helps avoid some spring frost events. Thinning can be helpful in heavy-set years to improve size and quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a concrete “survival down to” figure: multiple cultivar references specifically list Harlayne’s wood\/branches as hardy to about −34°C (about −29°F), and Bob Purvis’ notes list it as cold hardy to −34°F. One reference also notes blossom bud tolerance around −27°C (about −17°F) before significant frost damage, which is useful context for spring-frost management (buds\/flowers are usually the limiting factor more than the wood).\u003cbr\u003ePractically, this puts Harlayne in the Zone 4 class for dependable performance, with success in Zone 3b typically depending on microclimate, fall shutdown, and spring frost patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollination is one place where sources can conflict in casual nursery writeups. In the cold-climate grower literature (including Purvis’ notes), Harlayne is treated as needing cross-pollination for consistent crops, with other late-blooming Harrow apricots often suggested as partners (for example, Harogem and Hargrand). \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e, however, should serve as good pollenizers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Harlayne Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Harlayne Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Harlayne Apricot needs pollen from a different variety that blooms at about the same time. Harlayne needs a different later-blooming apricot nearby as a pollenizer. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e is a good choice from our list. Partners we carry include Precious Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alice-sharp-apricot\"\u003eAlice Sharp Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hardy-iowa-apricot\"\u003eHardy Iowa Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Harlayne Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Harlayne Apricot hardy to zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°F. Our notes have it taking -34°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 Harlayne Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 800 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 700 and 1,000. That comes from published figures for this variety. Montana winters cover its chill easily, and its later bloom gives it a better shot at missing spring frosts than early prairie apricots. 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#harlayne-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhen does Harlayne Apricot ripen?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout Aug 15 to Aug 27 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 Harlayne Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Harlayne 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 Harlayne Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Harlayne Apricot are fresh eating (7\/10), jams and jellies (7\/10), canning and freezing (7\/10), drying (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Harlayne Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Harlayne 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":42499217850434,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/harlayne-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020135"},{"product_id":"zard-apricot-seedling-bundle-of-2","title":"Zard Apricot Seedling (Bundle of 2) | Spring 2027","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zard Apricot Seedling 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 7 of 7, very late 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). 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 900 hours (600 to 1,300). 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#zard-apricot-seedling-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 7 of 7 (very late), very early spring here. Each seedling is different and may not crop alone. Plant both trees, or another late bloomer such as Zard, Dr 606 or Precious, as pollenizers. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wayne-apricot\"\u003eWayne Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e. 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\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, 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\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are trees grown out from seed collected from Zard, a late blooming yellow fleshed apricot from Iran and perhaps Luke's all time favorite. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard product page\u003c\/a\u003e for more info on the parent tree from which these seedlings were grown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy grow Zard Seedlings?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"927\" data-end=\"1498\"\u003ePlanting a seed does not reproduce a cultivar identically—each seedling is a new genotype. But in apricot, seedling populations are widely used as a practical way to discover late-blooming, high-quality trees and to broaden genetic diversity, including in regions where spring frost is the primary limiting factor. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9007285\"\u003eA large Iranian study\u003c\/a\u003e explicitly selected late-blooming, high fruit-quality genotypes among 278 seedling-originated trees, demonstrating that seedling populations are a valid improvement pathway in apricot. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy apricot seedlings can be “closer to the mother tree” than apple seedlings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe key difference isn’t that apricot is “less heterozygous” (meaning genetically mixed from two parents), but that their mating systems differ in ways that change what you should expect from seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApple varieties generally need pollen from a different tree to produce fruit because apples have a genetic system that blocks most self-fertilization (called S-RNase–based self-incompatibility). As a result, apple seeds almost always come from cross-pollination, which leads to highly mixed genetics across cultivars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApricot also has a genetic system that can prevent self-fertilization, but many modern apricot varieties \u003cem\u003eare\u003c\/em\u003e self-fertile (often linked to the Sᶜ allele), meaning a single tree can still set fruit on its own. This varies by variety, but large surveys show self-fertility is common in cultivated apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo in an open-pollinated seed lot from a self-fertile apricot, you can get a mix of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eselfed seedlings (seed parent = pollen parent)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eoutcrossed seedlings (pollen from another tree)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelfing increases the chance that seedlings share more genes with the mother tree than in crops that must always cross-pollinate. This is basic genetics, and it’s why apricot seedlings can sometimes show more “family resemblance” than apple seedlings — without anything being guaranteed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI think this is one reason apricot seedlings are often more horticulturally usable than apple seedlings, even though every seed is still its own genetic individual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Zard is especially interesting as seed parent material\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding literature repeatedly highlights Central Asian \/ Iran-Caucasian apricot genetics for fruit quality and kernel traits, and documents how seedling populations helped form regional landraces. There's also been some research that introducing Central Asian genetics into breeding programs increases diversity and can produce meaningful gains in fruit quality, including higher Brix, within just a few generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard checks many of the key boxes for breeding apricots suited to cold climates: a high chilling requirement, late bloom, strong mid-winter hardiness (roughly down to –40°F), excellent flavor, and edible kernels. We're listing these seedlings conservatively at zone 4 (-30°F) until we have more data.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOpen-pollinated seedlings: what’s known and what isn’t\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertain: open-pollinated seedlings always have an unknown pollen parent. Even when the mother tree is self-fertile, cross-pollination can still happen, so a seed lot may contain both selfed and crossed seedlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnknown without DNA testing: exactly which trees provided pollen, and how many seedlings came from selfing versus crossing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mother Zard tree was surrounded mainly by Prairie Province apricots (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/westcot-apricot\"\u003eWestcot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/morden-604-apricot\"\u003eMorden 604\u003c\/a\u003e, Brookcot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/debbies-gold-apricot\"\u003eDebbie’s Gold\u003c\/a\u003e, Sunrise). Therefore, if crossing occurred, there is a good chance that those nearby trees were among the pollen donors. Still, this remains an inference unless confirmed by genetic testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy these traits matter for cold-climate breeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross the literature, breeding priorities are consistent:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater bloom to reduce spring frost risk\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh fruit quality (including sugars \/ Brix)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKernel traits, including edible kernels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese traits are repeatedly identified as valuable within Central and Inner Asian apricot genetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn other words, a seed parent reported to combine late bloom tendencies, excellent flavor, and edible kernels makes scientific sense as breeding material,  even though no single seedling is guaranteed to inherit everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd I’ll add this from direct experience: this is the first population of Zard seedlings we’ve grown in Montana, so much more time will be needed to understand how these genetics express themselves here. What we’re offering isn’t a finished product — it’s living genetic material. Part of the value is in observing, selecting, and learning over years. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Zard Apricot Seedling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Zard Apricot Seedling need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Zard 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 different and may not crop alone. Plant both trees, or another late bloomer such as Zard, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious\u003c\/a\u003e, as pollenizers. Partners we carry include \u003ca href=\"\/products\/wayne-apricot\"\u003eWayne Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, Dr 606 Apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Zard Apricot Seedling?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Zard Apricot Seedling hardy to zone 4, which means winters down to about -30°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 Zard Apricot Seedling need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 900 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 600 and 1,300. That's based on the parent, Zard. Seedlings vary. Expect roughly Zard's late bloom and chill need, but individual trees will differ. 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#zard-apricot-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is Zard Apricot Seedling good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Zard Apricot Seedling are jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Zard Apricot Seedling?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Zard Apricot Seedling now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Zard 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: 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":"4-6 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45144991760450,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6-8 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45144991793218,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/zard-apricot-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021379"},{"product_id":"wayne-apricot","title":"Wayne Apricot (Spring 2027)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"mft-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAt a glance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wayne Apricot is an apricot tree rated hardy to zone 3 in our ratings (winters to -40°F), and partially self-fertile, so a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable (bloom group 7 of 7, very late 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 3 to 7. A bare number means the whole of zone 3, colder half included (winters to -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 750 hours (500 to 1,000). 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#wayne-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 7 of 7 (very late), very early spring here. No source says whether Wayne crops alone, so plant another very late apricot, such as Zard, as a pollenizer. Nearby varieties that can boost the crop: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eZard Apricot Seedling (Bundle of 2)\u003c\/a\u003e. \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). 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. 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\u003eThe Best of the Manchurian Seedlings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWayne was bred by Al Precht. He grew out scores of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/manchurian-apricot-bundle-of-2\"\u003eManchurian apricot\u003c\/a\u003e seedlings, and there was one whose flavor stood above all the rest. He named that one Wayne, after one of his Vietnam comrades. Wayne was the best of all of them. We got it from Purvis, and it's at least a zone 3 apricot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe apricots are roughly 1.5 inches in diameter and have good flavor. Unlike some Manchurian apricots, Wayne does not taste woody, which is the usual knock on the hardy Manchurian types.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVery Late Bloom\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Purvis, Wayne blooms very late, so it often avoids spring frosts. With apricots up north, it's usually a frost at bloom, not winter cold, that costs you the crop. A late bloomer gets past more of those frosts than an early one does, and that's worth a lot here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWayne is new for us, so we'll add our own notes once our trees are fruiting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;margin-top:24px\"\u003eAbout the photo: this isn’t Wayne itself. Photos of Wayne are either under copyright or simply unavailable, so we picked the open-source image that looks closest to the fruit. Photo: “Flora of Israel Apricot tree” by Yair Aronshtam, via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Flora_of_Israel_Apricot_tree_(14531102502).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e, licensed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"\u003eCC BY-SA 2.0\u003c\/a\u003e, cropped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions we get about Wayne Apricot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes Wayne Apricot need a pollenizer?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt helps. Wayne Apricot is partially self-fertile, so it can set some fruit alone, but a second variety nearby makes crops more dependable. No source says whether Wayne crops alone, so plant another very late apricot, such as \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e, as a pollenizer. Partners we carry include Zard Apricot, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dr-606-apricot\"\u003eDr 606 Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/precious-apricot\"\u003ePrecious Apricot\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow cold hardy is Wayne Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe rate Wayne Apricot hardy to zone 3, which means winters down to about -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 Wayne Apricot need?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbout 750 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 500 and 1,000. Nobody has published a chill figure for it, so that's our estimate from its relatives and origin. Montana winters cover its chill easily, and its later bloom gives it a better shot at missing spring frosts than early prairie apricots. 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#wayne-apricot\"\u003eresearch page\u003c\/a\u003e lists the sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow big does Wayne Apricot get?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe graft Wayne 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 Wayne Apricot good for?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur top use scores for Wayne Apricot are fresh eating (6\/10), jams and jellies (6\/10).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWill deer eat Wayne Apricot?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes. Deer browse Wayne Apricot now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat arrives, and when does Wayne 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\n","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Manchurian Full Size: 3-5 ft.","offer_id":45177325355074,"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":45177325387842,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/wayne-apricot-representative-apricots-on-branch.jpg?v=1791604801"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/collections\/harlayne-apricot-on-tree_cd0177c0-db46-4cc0-8a24-1e303dfdee93.jpg?v=1792787980","url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/late-blooming-apricot-trees.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}