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Description
Prunus Armeniaca Harcot, also known as the Harcot apricot tree, is a deciduous fruit tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid of the New Castle and Tilton apricot varieties and was developed at the University of California, Davis in the 1940s. It is a popular backyard tree that produces delicious apricots.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Prunus |
Appearance
The Harcot apricot tree is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has a rounded canopy with green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces pink and white flowers in early spring before the leaves appear. The fruit is medium-sized with a smooth, orange skin and a sweet, juicy flesh.
Care Guide
The Harcot apricot tree requires regular watering and fertilization to produce healthy fruit. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Water
The tree should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and less frequently in the winter. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The tree should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Additional fertilization may be necessary throughout the growing season.
Soil
The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil.
Sunlight
The tree requires full sun exposure to produce healthy fruit.
Hardiness Zones
The Harcot apricot tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Harcot apricot tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Apricot twig borer
- Scale insects
- Brown rot
- Shot hole disease
Proper care, including regular pruning and sanitation, can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
The Harcot apricot tree is native to California and is commonly grown in backyard orchards throughout the United States. It prefers a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for the Harcot apricot tree to bear fruit?
A: The tree typically starts producing fruit 3-4 years after planting.
Q: Can the Harcot apricot tree be grown in a container?
A: While it is possible to grow the tree in a container, it may not produce as much fruit as a tree grown in the ground.
Q: When is the best time to prune the Harcot apricot tree?
A: The tree should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: How often should the Harcot apricot tree be sprayed for pests and diseases?
A: The tree should be sprayed as needed, depending on the severity of the pest or disease issue.
Related Plants
- Prunus Armeniaca
- Prunus Americana
- Prunus Avium
- Prunus Cerasifera
References
- “Harcot Apricot.” Dave Wilson Nursery. https://www.davewilson.com/product-information/product/harcot-apricot
- “Prunus Armeniaca Harcot.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/sites/fruitreport/Prunus/Prunus_Armeniaca_Harcot/
- “Apricot.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=248181&isprofile=0&
