Chinese Apricot

History: Chinese apricots (aka Mormon apricots or Chinese Mormon apricots) are a variety whose origins are more or less entirely unknown. Based on the name, some speculate that they may have come from China originally (apricots are native to China to begin with) and could have been further planted in the US by Mormon colonizers. Their cold hardiness and late bloom time has allowed them to thrive in cooler areas and higher elevations than many other apricots can handle.

Why We Grow It: These apricots are a delightful addition to our chilly Canadian orchards since they bloom late to avoid the spring frosts. Despite the late bloom time, they ripen very early, and produce plenty of fruit to boot! They produce medium-sized fruits that are sweet and tender, plus they are freestone which makes them good for other uses such as canning, baking, and drying. 

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4

Soil Preference: Sandy loam and loam, like plenty or organic material. Prefers average to moist conditions with well-drained soils, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring.   

Growth Habits: Hardy, may naturally stay at a more compact size according to some sources, produces heavy crops

Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)

Pollination: Self-pollinating, this variety will produce fruit without an apricot tree of a different variety but will produce more and better fruit if one is present      

Flowering Time: Late, good for areas with late spring frosts

Bloom Colour: White

Ripens: July

Storage: Last 2-3 weeks in the fridge

Recommended Use: Fresh eating, baking, canning, drying

Size including roots:

• 1m+ Whip/Branched: 100-200cm, may have branches
• 50-80cm Whip: 50-80cm