Apricot
Can I Grow Harcot?
Harcot is the cold-climate apricot breakthrough — developed in Harrow, Ontario for northern growers. It combines good hardiness with excellent flavor and later bloom that dodges more frosts.
Growing Requirements
Chill Hours
700
Hardiness Zones
4-5-6-7-8
Harvest
Late July
Results
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About Harcot
Harcot is the cold-climate apricot breakthrough — developed in Harrow, Ontario for northern growers. It combines good hardiness with excellent flavor and later bloom that dodges more frosts.
Harcot requires 700 chill hours — the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy. Without enough chill, the tree may fail to flower properly or produce poor fruit.
Common Challenges
Still blooms early enough for frost damage in bad years; fruit is soft and doesn't ship well.
Common Misconception
Can I grow Harcot in Zone 9 or warmer?
No. While Harcot is listed for zones 4-8, it requires 700 chill hours to produce fruit. Warm zones like 9+ typically receive only 200-400 chill hours. The tree may survive but will not fruit reliably. Consider low-chill alternatives like Anna apple (200h) or Tropic Snow peach (200h) instead.
Other Apricot Varieties
Chill hour data from ERA5 reanalysis (Copernicus/ECMWF). Variety information compiled from university extension services.