The Harogem apricot is a dependable variety developed in 1979 in Ontario, Canada. It is a robust choice for home gardeners seeking a dependable apricot tree. Its appeal lies in reliable fruit production and ability to thrive in various climates, particularly colder ones.
Harogem Apricot Traits
The Harogem apricot fruit is medium-sized, with bright orange skin often adorned with a glossy red blush. The flesh is orange, firm, and freestone, separating easily from the pit. This variety offers a sweet, juicy, and aromatic flavor, suitable for fresh consumption and drying.
The tree has medium vigor and a spreading to nearly upright growth habit. Harogem trees are cold-hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as -27°C (-16°F) in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. This variety exhibits good resistance to common diseases such as brown rot and perennial canker, and shows some tolerance to bacterial spot. While self-fertile, cross-pollination with varieties like Harlayne or Hargrand can enhance fruit set.
Planting Your Harogem Apricot
Harogem apricot trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. A location sheltered from strong winds is also beneficial.
Well-draining soil is crucial, as apricot trees do not tolerate wet roots. Loamy soil that crumbles easily and feels somewhat sandy is ideal, with a recommended pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is heavy clay, amending it with organic matter can improve drainage.
The best time to plant Harogem apricot trees is in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in autumn. Dig a hole twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and deep enough so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with the removed soil, pat it down firmly, and water deeply. If planting multiple trees, allow for a spacing of about 10 to 15 feet between them, depending on the rootstock.
Caring for Harogem Apricot Trees
Consistent watering is important for newly planted Harogem apricot trees; they typically need water once or twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mature trees require less frequent watering, usually every two to three weeks during the growing season, with increased frequency during hot, dry periods or when fruit is developing. Deep watering that soaks the root zone is preferable to light, frequent watering. Mulching around the base of the tree with a 3-4 inch layer of organic material helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization typically begins after the first year or two, once the tree starts bearing fruit. Apricot trees benefit from nitrogen, which supports leaf and shoot growth, phosphorus for root development, and potassium for overall health and fruit quality. A balanced fruit tree fertilizer or organic amendments like aged compost and manure can be applied in early spring, just before new growth emerges. Avoid fertilizing late in the growing season, as this can encourage vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning Harogem apricot trees is best done in late winter or early spring before flowering, or immediately after harvest. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as those that cross or grow downwards. Thinning out branches to allow more air circulation and light penetration into the tree’s center promotes health and fruit production. General pest and disease prevention includes maintaining tree vigor through proper care, ensuring good air circulation, and promptly removing any infected plant material.
Harvesting and Enjoying Harogem Apricots
Harogem apricots typically ripen mid-season, around mid-July to early August. Indicators of ripeness include the fruit developing a bright orange color with a red blush, feeling firm yet slightly soft, and detaching easily from the branch with a gentle twist. If the fruit does not come off easily, it needs more time to ripen on the tree.
To avoid bruising, harvest apricots by gently cupping the fruit in your hand and twisting it off the stem. Short-term storage for fresh consumption involves keeping unwashed fruit in a cool, dry area for one to three days until they soften and become fragrant. For longer storage, ripe Harogem apricots can be refrigerated for two to three weeks. These versatile apricots are excellent for fresh eating; they are also well-suited for various culinary applications, including making jams, baking into desserts, or drying.