Goldrich Apricot

Goldrich is not one of our hardy apricots such as those from the prairie provinces, although it is certainly hardier than Robada and some of the others that we have grown experimentally. We are growing this in limited numbers for Montana growers in the warmest micrclimates in Montana, namely around Flathead Lake, and warmer spots of Missoula (up on a bench or protected spots in town), the Bitterroot, and warmer areas along the Flathead River (Paradise, Dixon, etc.). But folks in other parts of the US that are warmer should knock themselves out. This is a commercial cultivar and should be grown with the other less hardy cultivars we grow such as Wenatchee Moorpark, Perfection, and Chinese.

Overview

Goldrich Apricot is a modern apricot developed through the USDA breeding program in Washington State, released in the late 20th century. It was bred with a strong emphasis on fruit quality and resistance to disease, particularly brown rot, and quickly gained attention as a high-quality fresh-market apricot. Goldrich is widely grown in cooler apricot regions and is often considered a benchmark for large, high-flavor fruit among modern cultivars.

Fruit Quality & Uses

Goldrich produces large to very large apricots with bright orange skin, often with a red blush under good sun exposure. The flesh is firm, juicy, and richly flavored, balancing sweetness with enough acidity to give depth and character. It is excellent for fresh eating, slicing, drying, and preserves, and its size and firmness make it especially attractive for culinary and processing uses.

Growth Habit & Productivity

Trees are moderately vigorous with an upright to spreading growth habit and good structural strength. Goldrich is known for good productivity when pollinated well, though fruit thinning is often beneficial to maintain size and quality. Like many high-quality apricots, it benefits from thoughtful pruning and site selection.

Cold Hardiness

Sources site Goldrich as zone 4, but to err on the side of caution, it would be more prudent to list it as a zone 5. It has done well  in Missoula, although we haven't seen temps colder than -30F in recent years. Its limit is probably -30F. It is not as cold-hardy as prairie province apricots or Manchurian-derived selections, but it is tougher than many standard commercial apricots. Its flower buds are moderately frost sensitive, so performance in colder regions depends heavily on site selection, air drainage, and avoidance of early spring warming (north slopes). 

Other Notable Characteristics

Goldrich is well regarded for its resistance to brown rot relative to many apricots, which contributes to more reliable crops in wetter or more humid seasons.