{"title":"Zone 4 Apricot Trees","description":"\u003cp class=\"mft-zone-btn\" style=\"margin:0 0 16px\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\" title=\"Our zones follow the MFTC Modified Zone Hardiness Scale. Comparing them to USDA averages will give you a discrepancy, so look up where these trees will be planted.\" style=\"display:inline-block;padding:11px 20px;border-radius:4px;background:#3e6b33;color:#fff;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;line-height:1.3\"\u003eMFTC Zones, Not USDA Averages: Look Up Your Address →\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFive apricots rated hardy through all of zone 4, down to -30°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"mft-more\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eMore About Zone 4 Apricots\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eHardy through all of zone 4: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/3rd-and-myrtle-apricot\"\u003e3rd and Myrtle\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/harlayne-apricot\"\u003eHarlayne\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/tomcot-apricot\"\u003eTomcot\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot\"\u003eZard\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/zard-apricot-seedling-bundle-of-2\"\u003eZard seedlings\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZard is self-fertile. 3rd and Myrtle, Tomcot and Zard seedlings set some fruit alone and more with a partner. The rest need a second variety blooming at the same time. Our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/apricot-pollination-map\"\u003eapricot pollination map\u003c\/a\u003e shows which ones bloom together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLate bloomers, which give you better odds in a frost pocket: Harlayne, Zard and Zard seedlings. For jam and jelly: 3rd and Myrtle, Harlayne, Tomcot, Zard and Zard seedlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther zones: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/zone-2-apricot-trees\"\u003eZone 2 Apricots\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/zone-3-apricot-trees\"\u003eZone 3 Apricots\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/zone-4-fruit-trees\"\u003eEverything for Zone 4\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"mft-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestions We Get\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat does zone 4 mean on your scale?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn our MFTC scale, zone 4 means the coldest night you should plan for (the 1-in-30-year low) falls between -30°F and -20°F. Zone 4a runs -30°F to -25°F and zone 4b runs -25°F to -20°F. That is colder than a USDA zone 4, which is built on the average yearly low, so run your address through our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/cold-hardiness-calculator\"\u003ecold hardiness calculator\u003c\/a\u003e instead of going off a USDA map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need two apricot trees?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot for Zard, which is self-fertile. The others do better with a partner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\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":"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":"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\/3rd-and-myrtle-apricot-fruit-on-tree_e0724cd6-93e2-404b-a582-cd0666b41212.webp?v=1792786974","url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/zone-4-apricot-trees.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}