(Prunus armeniaca) Apricots are those beautifully orange colored fruits full of beta-carotene and fiber that are one of the first signs of summer. Although dried and canned apricots are available year-round, fresh apricots with their plentiful supply of vitamin C and are in season in North America from May through August.

Relatives to peaches, apricots are small, golden orange fruits, with velvety skin and flesh, not too juicy but definitely smooth and sweet. Some describe their flavor as almost musky, with a faint tartness that lies somewhere between a peach and a plum. Hardy trees, they are the first to bloom in spring. Our late season freezes that kill the developing blossoms or fruit are the main reason why people only get a crop 1 or 2 out of 5 years. Plant in the north shade or on the north side of a house or hill to delay blooming. Painting the trunk white with a 50% latex paint/water mix has shown to delay bloom up to 2 weeks by keeping tree cool from reflecting away sunlight. Early spring shading with sheets or tarps will delay blooming and give a better chance at fruit set. Drought

tolerant when established they are hardy to -20f.