Hi, I live in Calgary, Ab and looking into growing an apricot tree. Are there any varieties that you would recommend? I am leaning towards "Westcot", as it is supposed to be hardy in my zone (and my local nursery carries it). However, I have a few questions before I get planting. 1. Is Westcot self-fruitful or do I need to plant a pollinator? 2. Is fall a good time to plant apricot trees? 3. How many years can I expect to wait before harvest from a Westcot (~8feet tall at planting)? 4. Does Westcot produce fruit of the quality found at the grocery store? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Howdy fruittreegardener, Growing apricot in Alberta is an act of love. Several selections are hardy enough but their floral buds are not. If we get a good winter - not many days below minus 30 - the trees will flower in spring but since they bloom early, either their flowers or developing fruits will be killed by frost. Hence consider yourself lucky if you get a small crop every five or ten years on a fully matured tree. Apricots are self-sterile. So you will have to plant another apricot. Brookcot, M-604 and Capilino are fairly good. Their fruits are small but if allowed to ripen on the tree will leave any store bought apricots behind by a country mile. (Brookcot is from Brooks and Capilino is from Edmonton.) Be aware that apricot is very sensitive to 'gummosis' a bacterial disease. Having said all the negatives, I must say that the tree is a lovely ornamental. Peace Thean
