Apricot trees

[pattyp]

Hi. I am thinking about planting an apricot tree or two and am wondering if anyone has a good source that they would recommend for obtaining apricot trees. I am primarily interested in fruit that I can eat fresh, canned, or dried.

Any recommendations on a variety that would do well in zone 5?

Is it possible to grow apricot trees from seed or is this a difficult endeavor?

Thanks in advance for any leads you can provide.

Patty

[grungy]

Pattyp, if you can get your hands on one get at least one Goldbar and one Tommycot.

[castanea]

There are many nurseries that sell apricots on the internet. First you need to figure out what you want and what will do well in zone 5. You also need to take into consideration pollination. Some apricots are self fertile but some apricots are very finicky about being pollinized by other apricots. You have to plant varieties that are self fertile or known to pollinize each other. Unfortunately some of the more cold tolerant varieties are self sterile.

Here's a link to Canadian varieties that should do well in your area:

www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/02-035.htm

You can certainly grow them from seed but fruit quality will be hit and miss as will pollination issues. If you have a lot of land, go for it, but if you have limited space you'll have to be very lucky to get something good.

Here's a list of cultivars grown in California. The Canadian white blenheim is highly recommedned by everyone who tries it:

www.davewilson.com/br40/br40_trees/apricots.html

[grungy]

Both of the one I suggested are in the USA nurseries. In fact our nursery man had to bring the Goldbar as a special order for us. In my opinion it is one of the best tasting ones we have. Another old variety is Tilton and all 3 will grow in zone 5.